Impaired sensory learning in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome; and more

Tickle test: Sensory learning is altered in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, according to a new preprint. The investigators recorded neuronal activity in response to repeated whisker stimulation in the mice and observed hampered long-term potentiation—synaptic changes that underlie learning—in pyramidal neurons. The researchers speculate that these findings may reflect “a significant deterioration of experience-dependent sensory perception” and may relate to other behavioral aspects of fragile X syndrome, such as cognitive inflexibility, sensory sensitivity and intellectual disability. bioRxiv

More autism research we spotted:

• “CA2 neurons show abnormal responses to social stimuli in a rat model of fragile X syndrome” bioRxiv

• “Neural tracking of social navigation in autism spectrum disorder” Biological Psychiatry
• “Morphogen-guided neocortical organoids recapitulate regional areal identity and model neurodevelopmental disorder pathology” bioRxiv
• “Altered primary somatosensory neuron development in a PTEN heterozygous model for autism spectrum disorder” Autism Research
• “Single-nucleus transcriptomics reveal disrupted pathways in the prefrontal cortex of SCN2A-deficient mice” bioRxiv
• “Child dies after receiving new experimental gene therapy” STAT
• “CRISPR activation for SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders” Nature
• “HHS to have Rensselaer investigate question of autism-vaccine link” STAT
• “Analyzing the large and complex SFARI autism cohort data using the Genotypes and Phenotypes in Families (GPF) platform” (Note: The Transmitter and SFARI share the same parent organization.) Genome Research