Neurexin

Recent articles

grid of clocks showing different times

Missing autism gene may affect time perception in mice

Mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene NRXN1 appear to perceive some time intervals as shorter than control mice do, according to a new study.

By Laura Dattaro
11 January 2021 | 2 min read

Autism genes assign starring role to support cells in brain

Genes linked to autism are critical to the development of star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, suggesting a key role for the cells in the condition.

By Hannah Furfaro
24 April 2018 | 5 min read

Wi-Fi flap; obsessive-compulsive link; brain catalog and more

Two researchers balk at talk that Wi-Fi and autism are linked, changes in an autism risk gene are tied to obsessive-compulsive traits in three species, and scientists plan to conduct a census of all of the brain’s cell types.

By Emily Willingham
27 October 2017 | 5 min read

Brain’s reward region may drive social problems in autism

Having too many copies of an autism gene called UBE3A mutes a brain region that may mediate the satisfaction a person derives from social interactions.

By Jessica Wright
17 May 2017 | 5 min read

Differences between rodents show limitations of models

The same autism-linked mutation can lead to dramatically different behaviors in rats and mice.

By Jessica Wright
20 October 2015 | 5 min read

Method isolates protein complexes from neuronal junctions

Researchers have for the first time isolated and characterized protein complexes found at the points of connection between neurons. Mutations in some of these proteins are linked to autism.

By Kate Yandell
17 December 2014 | 2 min read

Imaging lights up dynamics of neurons’ connections in mice

Researchers have developed a way to capture dynamic changes in the part of the neuron that sends out signals, they reported yesterday at the 2014 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

By Virginia Hughes
19 November 2014 | 3 min read

Analysis of mouse brains maps subgroups of autism

A brain imaging study of 26 mouse models of autism reveals a broad range of structural abnormalities. The models cluster into groups with similar features, reports a study published 9 September in Molecular Psychiatry.

By Jessica Wright
13 October 2014 | 5 min read
Illustration of a Synapse.

Mutant protein causes reversible autism-like behaviors

Mice that begin expressing a mutant version of a protein called neurexin at 2 weeks of age develop autism-like behaviors that researchers can erase weeks or months later. The report, published 24 July in Cell Reports, suggests that it may be possible to treat autism symptoms even in adulthood.

By Alla Katsnelson
4 August 2014 | 5 min read

Genetic background may alter behavior of autism mice

Differences in the background genetics of mouse strains may modify the effects of autism genes, suggests a study published 11 March in Autism Research. The study looked at the behavior of mice with a mutation in neuroligin-3, a strong autism candidate gene.

By Jessa Netting
14 April 2014 | 5 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Double-duty neurons in primary olfactory cortex pick up on more than just scent

The cells recognize not only odors, such as bananas and black licorice—but also images and words associated with those smells, according to single-neuron recordings from 17 people.

By Angie Voyles Askham
9 October 2024 | 7 min read

How neuroscience comics add KA-POW! to the field: Q&A with Kanaka Rajan

The artistic approach can help explain complex ideas frame by frame without diluting the science, Rajan says.

By Olivia Gieger
9 October 2024 | 7 min read

Former Columbia University psychiatrist committed research misconduct, says federal watchdog

Bret Rutherford, whose research was halted following a suicide in a clinical trial, falsely reported participant eligibility, according to the U.S. Office of Research Integrity.

By Brendan Borrell, Ellie Kincaid
8 October 2024 | 3 min read