Simons Simplex Collection
Genome structure could be key factor in some forms of autism
Variants in DNA stretches that do not code for proteins may alter the genome’s 3D architecture, influencing the expression of distant genes linked to autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DNA-variants-mutations-811-1024x692.webp)
Genome structure could be key factor in some forms of autism
Variants in DNA stretches that do not code for proteins may alter the genome’s 3D architecture, influencing the expression of distant genes linked to autism.
Some who lack autism diagnosis carry variants tied to the condition
The variants are associated with slight differences in measures of intelligence, income and employment, but the relationship may not be causal.
![Blurry photograph of a crowd of people on a street.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-phenotypic-genetic-variants-autism.png)
Some who lack autism diagnosis carry variants tied to the condition
The variants are associated with slight differences in measures of intelligence, income and employment, but the relationship may not be causal.
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Modified MRI; father findings
This month’s newsletter tackles null findings from an attempted replication of a “revolutionary” MRI approach and an analysis of family genetics.
X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
![Illustration of an X chromosome against a black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-maternal-x-chromome-inherited-coding-variants-autism.png)
X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
Scans of sundry variant types uncover autism-linked genes
Troves of sequencing data reveal genes tied to autism through different variant types, providing a more complete picture of the condition’s genetic roots and new clues to its heterogeneity.
![Conceptual illustration of a DNA double helix](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/844-denovo-inherited-variants-autism.jpg)
Scans of sundry variant types uncover autism-linked genes
Troves of sequencing data reveal genes tied to autism through different variant types, providing a more complete picture of the condition’s genetic roots and new clues to its heterogeneity.
Mutations disrupting chromatin interactions contribute to autism
The mutations occur spontaneously in noncoding stretches of DNA that control gene expression.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chromatin-interactions-autism-844.png)
Mutations disrupting chromatin interactions contribute to autism
The mutations occur spontaneously in noncoding stretches of DNA that control gene expression.
The final frontier: Autism geneticists take on the noncoding genome
The vast stretches of DNA that don't code for proteins could fill key knowledge gaps about autism genetics. But making sense of it all won't be easy.
![Figure in space heads towards unknown, dark area.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Unexplored-space-genome-non-coding-autism-844.jpg)
The final frontier: Autism geneticists take on the noncoding genome
The vast stretches of DNA that don't code for proteins could fill key knowledge gaps about autism genetics. But making sense of it all won't be easy.
Common inherited variants tied to autism show sex bias in families
Siblings of autistic females are more likely to have autism than siblings of autistic males are, and mothers of autistic children carry more common, autism-linked variants than fathers do.
![Illustration of two figures in a field of black circles representing genetic risks. The circles surround the figure on the left and stay farther away from the figure on the right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Female-protective-effect-autism-844.jpg)
Common inherited variants tied to autism show sex bias in families
Siblings of autistic females are more likely to have autism than siblings of autistic males are, and mothers of autistic children carry more common, autism-linked variants than fathers do.
Spectrum of variants contribute differently to autism traits
Different combinations of common, rare, inherited and spontaneous mutations may explain why traits vary so widely among autistic people.
![A street crowded with pedestrian traffic](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/844_genetic-factors-autism.jpg)
Spectrum of variants contribute differently to autism traits
Different combinations of common, rare, inherited and spontaneous mutations may explain why traits vary so widely among autistic people.
Novel gene linked to brain size in autistic people
The gene, YTHDF2, may be one of several that contribute to an autism subtype marked by an unusually big brain.
![Three views of zebrafish.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Megalencephaly-zebrafish-autism-844.jpg)
Novel gene linked to brain size in autistic people
The gene, YTHDF2, may be one of several that contribute to an autism subtype marked by an unusually big brain.
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.