Synaptic vesicles
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.
![lllustration of the junction between two nerve cells.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844-final.jpg)
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.
How microscopic ‘condensates’ in cells might contribute to autism
A controversial idea about how cells compartmentalize their contents into droplets — like beads of oil in water — could be key to understanding autism, says Julie Forman-Kay.
![Oil and water with colors behind: blue, green, yellow and red.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PhaseSeparation844.jpg)
How microscopic ‘condensates’ in cells might contribute to autism
A controversial idea about how cells compartmentalize their contents into droplets — like beads of oil in water — could be key to understanding autism, says Julie Forman-Kay.
New method exposes structures inside ‘rainbow’ of brain cells
Molecules from alpacas may enable scientists to identify cell types in the brain while also revealing their interior structures.
New method exposes structures inside ‘rainbow’ of brain cells
Molecules from alpacas may enable scientists to identify cell types in the brain while also revealing their interior structures.
Dividing autism; novel messengers; million-dollar mark and more
A researcher proposes splitting autism into subtypes, mitochondria make neurotransmitters, and highly successful grantees may face a funding cap.
Dividing autism; novel messengers; million-dollar mark and more
A researcher proposes splitting autism into subtypes, mitochondria make neurotransmitters, and highly successful grantees may face a funding cap.
New tool spotlights neuron junctions in living human brains
A new imaging technique allows researchers to illuminate the junctions between neurons in a living person’s brain.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20160829SynapesPET.844-1.jpg)
New tool spotlights neuron junctions in living human brains
A new imaging technique allows researchers to illuminate the junctions between neurons in a living person’s brain.
Rainbow of dyes maps neurons’ tangled paths in brain
A new method that lets researchers trace the paths of many neurons at once may reveal how neurons go astray in autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/images-2015/toolbox2015/20150513toolboxlabelingaxons.jpg)
Rainbow of dyes maps neurons’ tangled paths in brain
A new method that lets researchers trace the paths of many neurons at once may reveal how neurons go astray in autism.
Suite of methods yields complex model of neuronal junctions
Researchers debuted a three-dimensional model of an average synapse, the point of connection between neurons, in the 30 May issue of Science.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/20140702ToolboxSuiteofMethodsYieldsComplex.jpg)
Suite of methods yields complex model of neuronal junctions
Researchers debuted a three-dimensional model of an average synapse, the point of connection between neurons, in the 30 May issue of Science.
Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene establishes brain links
The autism-linked protein MET is expressed at the junctions between neurons during early brain development in mice, suggesting that it helps establish the connections, according to a study published 21 June in The Journal of Comparative Neurology.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/images-2013-folder/images-in-brief-2013/20130827inbriefmet.jpg)
Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene establishes brain links
The autism-linked protein MET is expressed at the junctions between neurons during early brain development in mice, suggesting that it helps establish the connections, according to a study published 21 June in The Journal of Comparative Neurology.
Researchers watch as proteins travel to neuronal junctions
Using high-resolution microscopy, researchers can watch as signaling complexes assemble at neuronal junctions in zebrafish embryos, according to a study published 17 April in Cell Reports.
Researchers watch as proteins travel to neuronal junctions
Using high-resolution microscopy, researchers can watch as signaling complexes assemble at neuronal junctions in zebrafish embryos, according to a study published 17 April in Cell Reports.
Scientists home in on autism candidate gene’s role in brain
Four new studies of neuroligin-1 (NLGN1), a gene linked to autism, unravel its complex role in regulating the connections between neurons.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/news/20121122newsneuroligin.jpg)
Scientists home in on autism candidate gene’s role in brain
Four new studies of neuroligin-1 (NLGN1), a gene linked to autism, unravel its complex role in regulating the connections between neurons.
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.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](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.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](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.