SCN2A
Widely used calcium imaging protocol can lead to spurious results, new paper cautions
The technique, which measures calcium currents as a proxy for neuronal firing, sometimes reports unusual and potentially misleading waves of activity in the hippocampus.
Widely used calcium imaging protocol can lead to spurious results, new paper cautions
The technique, which measures calcium currents as a proxy for neuronal firing, sometimes reports unusual and potentially misleading waves of activity in the hippocampus.
CRISPR gives autism-linked genes a boost, rescues functioning
A modified form of the gene-editing tool increases the expression of CHD8 and SCN2A, showing potential for autism therapies.
![Research image of two fluorescent-stained organoids.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fig1F-clean-1200-1024x692.webp)
CRISPR gives autism-linked genes a boost, rescues functioning
A modified form of the gene-editing tool increases the expression of CHD8 and SCN2A, showing potential for autism therapies.
Microglial overreaction to atypical neurons may drive autism
In mice and organoids lacking a neuronal protein, microglia prune synapses to excess.
![Research image of microglia in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200-microglia-pruning-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Microglial overreaction to atypical neurons may drive autism
In mice and organoids lacking a neuronal protein, microglia prune synapses to excess.
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
![A slice of a cerebellum.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-lede-cerebellar-plasticity-autism-1024x692.png)
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
The protein products of ANK2 and SCN2A interact to regulate dendritic excitability.
![A research image of neuronal dendrites in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-spectrum-autism-transmitter-neuroscience-gene-convergence-Scn2a-Ank2-1024x683.webp)
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
The protein products of ANK2 and SCN2A interact to regulate dendritic excitability.
Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
![Research image of gene-edited mouse liver cells compared to controls.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-final-mice-prime-editing-autism.png)
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
New evidence hints at mechanisms for ‘fever effect’ in autism
The temporary easing of traits that a minority of autistic children are reported to show during or after a fever may stem from a rise in body temperature.
![White laboratory mice isolated on orange luminous glass surface.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-heat-shock-fever-mice-autism.jpg)
New evidence hints at mechanisms for ‘fever effect’ in autism
The temporary easing of traits that a minority of autistic children are reported to show during or after a fever may stem from a rise in body temperature.
Dispatches from SfN 2021: Mitochondria, Rett therapy and oxytocin
These short reports from Spectrum journalists highlight some of the autism-related findings that caught our attention at the meeting this past week.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SCN2A-844.jpg)
Dispatches from SfN 2021: Mitochondria, Rett therapy and oxytocin
These short reports from Spectrum journalists highlight some of the autism-related findings that caught our attention at the meeting this past week.
Reversing mutations in top autism-linked gene makes adult mice more social
Treatments that counteract the effects of an SCN2A mutation in mice increase the animals’ sociability in adulthood, according to a new unpublished study.
![Three mice sniffing each other.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SSCn2AMice844.jpg)
Reversing mutations in top autism-linked gene makes adult mice more social
Treatments that counteract the effects of an SCN2A mutation in mice increase the animals’ sociability in adulthood, according to a new unpublished study.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.