CHD8 gene; sex differences in EEG; interneuron development

The drug bumetanide had no effect on autism traits in children in two clinical trials. Spectrum previously reported on the studies’ interim results. Autism Research
Mice missing a copy of the autism-linked gene CHD8 have altered gastrointestinal function, including increased permeability and greater microbial load. Translational Psychiatry
People with disabilities are now included in the research portfolio of the U.S. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. nih.gov
Specific electroencephalographic measures in autistic youth vary based on sex. Autism Research
Autism prevalence more than doubled in adult Medicaid enrollees in the United States from 2011 to 2019. JAMA Psychiatry
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a new pilot program to aid the development of therapies for rare diseases. Food and Drug Administration
Many gene variants linked to neurodevelopmental conditions can alter interneuron development, according to a study in assembloids. Spectrum covered a preprint version of the work last year. Nature
Loss of the autism-linked gene CHD8 alters the developmental trajectories of neural cells in brain organoids, according to a preprint. bioRxiv
The U.S. Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has released its biannual strategic plan, calling for more federal funding to address a range of solutions for autistic people across their lifespans. iacc.hhs.gov
Two researchers voice their view that more ethical consideration and caution should be applied to the creation of embryo-like structures from stem cells. Nature

Leaky gut: Mucus layer thickness in the small intestine (upper panels) is altered in CHD8L-deficient mice (right panels).
Autistic and non-autistic children have similar brain levels of glutathione and gamma-aminobutyric acid, according to a preprint. bioRxiv
The National Academy of Medicine has elected several autism researchers as new members, including M. Daniele Fallin, Guoping Feng, Jeannie Lee, Mustafa Sahin and Hongkui Zeng. National Academy of Medicine
Low levels of the protein FMRP, the cause of fragile X syndrome, leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperexcitability in developing neurons; a key player in these changes may be the protein RACK1. Neuron
Sex hormones and gut microbiota influence each other, and both can modulate the nervous system, according to a review that calls for more girls and women to be included in studies on the gut-brain axis’s role in autism. Trends in Microbiology
The nonprofit foundation n-Lorem has announced a new effort to develop antisense-oligonucleotide-based therapies for children with rare genetic neurological conditions. Business Wire