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Autistic adults who carry an Alzheimer’s gene; major vault protein; FOXP1 gene

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 November.

By Jill Adams

21 November 2023 | 2 min read

https://doi.org/10.53053/JMHV6182

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Mutations in the autism-linked gene DNMT3A can induce a range of phenotypic changes, some of which are mutation-dependent and others that appear to be shared across mutations. Cell Reports
An analysis of polygenic risk genes found no differences between women who experience postpartum depression and women who experience depression outside of pregnancy. Translational Psychiatry
The Japanese version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient, used to screen for autism traits, reliably distinguishes autism from social communication disorder. BMC Psychiatry
Middle-aged and older autistic adults who carry the epsilon-4 allele of the APOE gene have poorer short-term memory and verbal learning skills than their peers without the allele. International Journal of Molecular Sciences
The likelihood that a person has autism may link to specific facets of family history, such as the occurrence of mental health conditions, according to a preprint. medRxiv
Many genes in the autism-linked 16p11.2 chromosomal region, including one that encodes the major vault protein, contribute to neuroanatomy. Genome Biology
Behavioral interventions for autistic children can improve social-communication skills and caregiver perception of challenging behaviors, according to a systematic review updated with recent studies. Spectrum covered the weakness of early-intervention studies last year. BMJ
Elevated body temperature inhibits autism-like behaviors in animal models but differs from the general suppression of activity observed with bacterial endotoxin, which triggers both inflammation and fever. Molecular Autism
The autism-linked gene FOXP1 strengthens glutamate synapses onto dopamine-containing spiny projection neurons, according to a preprint. bioRxiv
Silencing the gene ATRX in embryonic mice leads to reduced fear memory, hyperactivity, repetitive grooming and self-injurious behaviors in adulthood. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Image of brain cells in young mice. — **Protein power:** Prenatal silencing of the ATRX gene (right panels) leads to loss of its protein (red) in the cortex and hippocampus in young mice.

Autism traits and anxiety can independently contribute to repetitive behaviors in children with fragile X syndrome, according to a preprint. Research Square
The global supply of research monkeys is at an all-time low and is leading to fraudulent practices, including the illegal capture and sale of wild monkeys falsely marketed as captive-bred. Nature

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Spectrum, Autism, Spotted