Striatum

Research image of neurons in mice.

Skewed signaling in striatum may spawn repetitive behaviors

Synaptic changes in the brain region could drive a core trait of fragile X syndrome, a new mouse study suggests.

By Holly Barker
6 September 2023 | 3 min read
Research image of neurons.

Abundant motor proteins disrupt cries in FOXP2 mice

Knocking down the gene that codes for the proteins normalizes the vocalizations.

By Laura Dattaro, Maaisha Osman
28 July 2023 | 3 min read
Spectrum Microphone

Autism’s ties to the cell skeleton

Many genes related to the condition play a role in the internal scaffolding of cells, and cytoskeletal disruptions can affect neurodevelopment and behavior.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
22 June 2023 | 7 min read
Composite image of inhibitory and excitatory neurons.
Methods Microphone

One-rosette technique grows well-organized organoids

The method yields complex organoids that more closely mimic embryonic brain development than do those cultured in other ways.

By Peter Hess
2 December 2022 | 5 min listen
Mouse brain slices showing the effects of SHANK2 and SHANK3 deletions.
Spectrum Microphone

Double SHANK knockout highlights brain circuit’s social role

Mice missing the autism-linked SHANK2 and SHANK3 genes in their retrosplenial cortex have trouble distinguishing between novel and familiar mice.

By Angie Voyles Askham
19 October 2022 | 5 min read
Micrographs comparing mouse striatal neurons missing TSHZ3 and wildtype striatal neurons.

Two groups of neurons govern autism-like traits in model mice

Together, the neurons are part of the corticostriatal circuit, which has been implicated in autism.

By Peter Hess
15 April 2022 | 4 min read
Spectrum Microphone

Unfamiliar surroundings bring out autism-like behaviors, brain circuit changes in model mice

A brain area called the tail of the striatum may account for the shift.

By Peter Hess
31 March 2022 | 5 min read
grid of 12 views of mouse neurons.
Spectrum Microphone

Loss of autism-linked gene alters synapse development in mice

Mice missing a copy of the gene ASH1L have excess synapses and autism-like behavioral differences, some of which are reversed by boosting an ASH1L-regulated gene.

By Laura Dattaro
25 January 2022 | 4 min read

Brain activity patterns may distinguish girls with autism

Atypical patterns of neuronal activity and gene expression in the striatum may characterize autism in girls, according to a new study.

By Angie Voyles Askham
2 June 2021 | 4 min read
A digital rendering of a green neuron on black

Brain activity jump-starts autism-linked genes in human neurons

Some neurons activate autism-linked genes when they fire, according to a new study.

By Grace Huckins
5 March 2021 | 5 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.

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.

By Laura Dattaro
26 July 2024 | 7 min read
Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.

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.

By Cathleen O’Grady
25 July 2024 | 8 min read

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.

By Angie Voyles Askham
24 July 2024 | 6 min read