Striatum
Recent articles
Reconstructing dopamine’s link to reward
The field is grappling with whether to modify the long-standing theory of reward prediction error—or abandon it entirely.
![Illustration of cranes attempting to assemble a structure out of very small black squares.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RPE-1200-1024x692.webp)
Reconstructing dopamine’s link to reward
The field is grappling with whether to modify the long-standing theory of reward prediction error—or abandon it entirely.
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.
![Research image of neurons in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-striatum-signaling-repetitive-behaviors-autism.png)
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.
Abundant motor proteins disrupt cries in FOXP2 mice
Knocking down the gene that codes for the proteins normalizes the vocalizations.
![Research image of neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-lede-foxp2-autism.png)
Abundant motor proteins disrupt cries in FOXP2 mice
Knocking down the gene that codes for the proteins normalizes the vocalizations.
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.
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.
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.
![Composite image of inhibitory and excitatory neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-telencephalic-development-model-autism-toolbox.png)
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.
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.
![Mouse brain slices showing the effects of SHANK2 and SHANK3 deletions.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-shank2_3-double-knockout-autism.png)
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.
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.
![Micrographs comparing mouse striatal neurons missing TSHZ3 and wildtype striatal neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_TargetedTSHZ3.jpg)
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.
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/844_absence.jpg)
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.
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.
![grid of 12 views of mouse neurons.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/844_Fig3.jpg)
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.
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210602-FemaleAutism844.jpg)
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.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Personalized medicine; astroglia organoids; fast track for fragile X drug
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 January.
![Research image of brain organoids with astroglia formation represented in green.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-spotted-20250121-1024x683.png)
Personalized medicine; astroglia organoids; fast track for fragile X drug
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 20 January.
Neuroscientists need to do better at explaining basic mental health research
The knowledge gap between scientists, health-care professionals, policymakers and people with mental health conditions is growing, slowing the translation of basic science to new treatments. Like lawyers learning to present a case to the court, scientists should learn to educate nonscientists about their findings.
![Illustration of clinicians, a pill bottle, a speech bubble and shadowy figures.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Addiction-Kaun-Neuro-1200-1024x692.png)
Neuroscientists need to do better at explaining basic mental health research
The knowledge gap between scientists, health-care professionals, policymakers and people with mental health conditions is growing, slowing the translation of basic science to new treatments. Like lawyers learning to present a case to the court, scientists should learn to educate nonscientists about their findings.
Dose, scan, repeat: Tracking the neurological effects of oral contraceptives
We know little about how the brain responds to oral contraceptives, despite their widespread use. I am committed to changing that: I scanned my brain 75 times over the course of a year and plan to make my data openly available.
![Grid of human brain scans.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Heller-hormones-brain-scans-1200-1024x683.png)
Dose, scan, repeat: Tracking the neurological effects of oral contraceptives
We know little about how the brain responds to oral contraceptives, despite their widespread use. I am committed to changing that: I scanned my brain 75 times over the course of a year and plan to make my data openly available.