TSC2
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.
Tweaks to autism-linked pathway tilt circuits’ signaling balance
Altered expression of TSC2 and the mTOR pathway reshape the formation of certain synapses between inhibitory and excitatory neurons in mice.
Tweaks to autism-linked pathway tilt circuits’ signaling balance
Autism genes converge on disruptions in social brain circuit
The circuit linking the prefrontal cortex and part of the thalamus is impaired in mice raised in social isolation and in mice with mutations in the FMR1 or TSC2 genes.
Autism genes converge on disruptions in social brain circuit
Cracking autism’s sleep conundrum
Sleep problems may contribute to or derive from autism traits — or both. After decades of work, researchers are beginning to uncover the biological connections between the two conditions, revealing new paths to potential treatments.
Synaptic overgrowth, hyperconnectivity may define autism subtype
Model mice of the subtype also show hyperactivity in a signaling pathway called mTOR, bolstering the idea that distinct forms of autism have different biological roots and may require different treatment approaches.
Synaptic overgrowth, hyperconnectivity may define autism subtype
Severe infection may raise odds of autism in some children
Mock viral infections impair social memory in mice with a mutation tied to autism, and autistic boys are more likely than their non-autistic peers to have had serious infections early in life.
Severe infection may raise odds of autism in some children
Disrupted cell skeletons may explain brain wiring changes in autism-linked condition
Neuronal axons ignore guidance cues after a mutation in the gene TSC2 disrupts signaling through RhoA, a protein regulated by many autism-linked genes.
Disrupted cell skeletons may explain brain wiring changes in autism-linked condition
Extra proteins alter microglia and behavior in mice
The overproduction of proteins in brain cells called microglia causes social impairments, cognitive deficits and repetitive behavior in male mice, a new study has found.
Extra proteins alter microglia and behavior in mice
Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism
Tuberous sclerosis provides a unique opportunity to understand autism because about half of people with that single-gene condition also have autism.
Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism
Trial results temper hopes of tumor drug for treating autism
A drug that treats tumors and epilepsy in people with tuberous sclerosis complex does not boost their intelligence or ease autism traits.
Trial results temper hopes of tumor drug for treating autism
Explore more from The Transmitter
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.