Spoken version
Neurons struggle to spike without fragile X gene
FMR1 loss impairs sodium channels, hindering mouse neurons from generating the electrical signals needed to transmit information.
![an image of a neuron](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-final-1.png)
Neurons struggle to spike without fragile X gene
FMR1 loss impairs sodium channels, hindering mouse neurons from generating the electrical signals needed to transmit information.
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
![Research image of cell bodies of rett-like neurons, some of which were treated with epigenome editors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-final.png)
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.
![Research image shows elevated expression of certain genes, shown in pink and green, along with expected gene expression, shown in blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-lede-final.png)
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.
Autism-linked chromatin regulators may moonlight as microtubule influencers
Five autism-linked genes widely known as chromatin regulators appear to also shape the cell’s internal skeleton.
![Research image of the protein CHD2.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/microtubule-biology-autism-844.jpg)
Autism-linked chromatin regulators may moonlight as microtubule influencers
Five autism-linked genes widely known as chromatin regulators appear to also shape the cell’s internal skeleton.
Chromatin remodeling tied to altered splicing in autism model
Exposing neurons to valproic acid, a well-known environmental risk factor for autism, disrupts their ability to generate different proteins from the same gene.
![Illustration of neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-autism-chromatin-remodeling-altered-splicing.jpg)
Chromatin remodeling tied to altered splicing in autism model
Exposing neurons to valproic acid, a well-known environmental risk factor for autism, disrupts their ability to generate different proteins from the same gene.
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-inside-fig-2C-1.png)
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
CHD8 mutation in 33 mouse strains yields range of traits
The findings put genetic background forward to help explain autism’s heterogeneity.
![A white mouse, brown mouse and black mouse stand inside a wooden circle against a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-CHD8-mutation-autism-traits-mice.png)
CHD8 mutation in 33 mouse strains yields range of traits
The findings put genetic background forward to help explain autism’s heterogeneity.
Prolific autism researcher has two dozen papers retracted
Elsevier’s retractions focus on peer review and conflicts of interest.
![Headshot of Johnny Matson, former editor-in-chief of Research in Developmental Disabilities and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Matson-retractions-autism-844.png)
Prolific autism researcher has two dozen papers retracted
Elsevier’s retractions focus on peer review and conflicts of interest.
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
A new measure shows how greatly movement influences associations between traits and brain activity, revealing abundant false positives and false negatives.
![A photograph of a person preparing for an fMRI scan](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fmri_844.jpg)
Head motion mars most fMRI results, even after correction
A new measure shows how greatly movement influences associations between traits and brain activity, revealing abundant false positives and false negatives.
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.
![](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.
![](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.