SHANK3
Autism-linked perturbations converge on cell skeleton and RNA-binding proteins
The findings solidify the idea that autism-linked mutations affect brain activity by way of several key shared mechanisms.
![A research image of autism-linked genes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/v2-1200-spectrum-autism-genes-microtubules-1024x683.webp)
Autism-linked perturbations converge on cell skeleton and RNA-binding proteins
The findings solidify the idea that autism-linked mutations affect brain activity by way of several key shared mechanisms.
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
![Position heatmaps of mice performing a behavioral assay.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-social-motivation-assay-autism.png)
New test taps nose pokes as a proxy for social motivation in mice
Over one hour, a particularly motivated mouse poked its nose 350 times into a hole in the test chamber in the hopes of meeting a playmate.
Autism’s ties to the cell skeleton
Many genes related to the condition play a role in the internal scaffolding of cells, and cytoskeletal disruptions can affect neurodevelopment and behavior.
Autism’s ties to the cell skeleton
Many genes related to the condition play a role in the internal scaffolding of cells, and cytoskeletal disruptions can affect neurodevelopment and behavior.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
![Research video of a zebrafish larva (zoomed in on the gut) being given glucose.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/844-peripheral-nervous-system-deep-dive-autism-hp-size.gif)
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
Asleep in the Mouse House with Graham Diering
Memories from Diering’s life trace the rising star’s scientific path from raising lizards as a child and later exploring home brewing to heading a lab that investigates memory, sleep disturbances and early development in animals with autism-linked mutations.
![Graham Diering smiles in a portrait in his yard.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Autism-Graham-Diering-844.jpg)
Asleep in the Mouse House with Graham Diering
Memories from Diering’s life trace the rising star’s scientific path from raising lizards as a child and later exploring home brewing to heading a lab that investigates memory, sleep disturbances and early development in animals with autism-linked mutations.
One-rosette technique grows well-organized organoids
The method yields complex organoids that more closely mimic embryonic brain development than do those cultured in other ways.
![Composite image of inhibitory and excitatory neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-telencephalic-development-model-autism-toolbox.png)
One-rosette technique grows well-organized organoids
The method yields complex organoids that more closely mimic embryonic brain development than do those cultured in other ways.
Mouse models help sniff out olfactory differences in autism
A range of presentations at Neuroscience 2022 tie atypical social behavior to trouble discriminating between odors in the animals.
![A white mouse sits on a nest against a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-mouse-models-autism-olfactory-differences.jpg)
Mouse models help sniff out olfactory differences in autism
A range of presentations at Neuroscience 2022 tie atypical social behavior to trouble discriminating between odors in the animals.
Double SHANK knockout highlights brain circuit’s social role
Mice missing the autism-linked SHANK2 and SHANK3 genes in their retrosplenial cortex have trouble distinguishing between novel and familiar mice.
![Mouse brain slices showing the effects of SHANK2 and SHANK3 deletions.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-shank2_3-double-knockout-autism.png)
Double SHANK knockout highlights brain circuit’s social role
Mice missing the autism-linked SHANK2 and SHANK3 genes in their retrosplenial cortex have trouble distinguishing between novel and familiar mice.
Lost sleep sparks lasting social problems in SHANK3 mice
Sleep disruption early in life has long-lasting consequences for mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene SHANK3.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SHANK3-844.jpg)
Lost sleep sparks lasting social problems in SHANK3 mice
Sleep disruption early in life has long-lasting consequences for mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene SHANK3.
Sleepy mice with autism-linked mutation struggle to fall asleep
Mice with a mutated copy of SHANK3 fail to establish normal sleep patterns during development.
![Lab mice (Mus musculus), tribe Balbc, three 13 day old babies with eyes still closed, laying side by side](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHANK3-Mice-Sleep-Development-Autism_844.jpeg)
Sleepy mice with autism-linked mutation struggle to fall asleep
Mice with a mutated copy of SHANK3 fail to establish normal sleep patterns during development.
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.