UBE3A
Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.
![A hand holds a stack of speech bubbles.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NEW-landscape-1200-1024x692.webp)
Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.
UBE3A’s link to synaptic pruning bolstered by fly study
Increasing or reducing the levels of the UBE3A gene, which is associated with autism and autism-related syndromes, results in altered patterns of synaptic pruning — a process that snips away brain cell connections.
![Research image of presynapses on sensory neurons in fruit flies.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-UBE3A-autism-synaptic-pruning-fly-study.png)
UBE3A’s link to synaptic pruning bolstered by fly study
Increasing or reducing the levels of the UBE3A gene, which is associated with autism and autism-related syndromes, results in altered patterns of synaptic pruning — a process that snips away brain cell connections.
‘Gain-of-function’ mutation spawns autism traits
The mutation increases the activity of an autism-linked protein and leads to social difficulties and other behavioral differences in mice.
![Research image of interneurons in the outer layer of a human brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-6c-UBE3A-autism.png)
‘Gain-of-function’ mutation spawns autism traits
The mutation increases the activity of an autism-linked protein and leads to social difficulties and other behavioral differences in mice.
RNA therapy restores gene function in monkeys modeling Angelman syndrome
The result raises hopes for an ongoing clinical trial in people — and offers fresh insight into the biology of imprinting and the UBE3A antisense transcript.
![Long-tailed macaque in the canopy of a fruiting strangler fig tree, surrounded by ripening figs. Gunung Palung National Park, Borneo.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-rna-therapy-angelman-gene-function-monkeys-autism.jpg)
RNA therapy restores gene function in monkeys modeling Angelman syndrome
The result raises hopes for an ongoing clinical trial in people — and offers fresh insight into the biology of imprinting and the UBE3A antisense transcript.
Adult Angelman mice get some benefit from boosting UBE3A gene expression
The treatment eases the animals’ sleep troubles, suggesting it has clinically meaningful effects beyond what was thought to be a critical window in early life.
Adult Angelman mice get some benefit from boosting UBE3A gene expression
The treatment eases the animals’ sleep troubles, suggesting it has clinically meaningful effects beyond what was thought to be a critical window in early life.
Beyond the bench: Finding solitude with Jill Silverman
The people-focused researcher shares her secrets to carving out time for grant writing, creating work-life balance and letting go of unread emails.
![Jill Silverman sits at her desk with her dog.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cc-lede-844-jill-silverman-autism-research-beyond-the-bench.png)
Beyond the bench: Finding solitude with Jill Silverman
The people-focused researcher shares her secrets to carving out time for grant writing, creating work-life balance and letting go of unread emails.
Promising preclinical results prompt Angelman therapy trial
Roche’s gene therapy drug Rugonersen boosts expression of the protein missing in the syndrome in mice and monkeys, but whether it works in people remains to be seen.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/angelman-neuron-screen-autism-844.png)
Promising preclinical results prompt Angelman therapy trial
Roche’s gene therapy drug Rugonersen boosts expression of the protein missing in the syndrome in mice and monkeys, but whether it works in people remains to be seen.
Angelman therapy appears safer in restarted trial
Interim results from the previously paused trial suggest that doses of the experimental gene therapy drug GTX-102 are well tolerated in children with the autism-linked condition.
![An Ultragenyx employee removes materials from a lab freezer.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/angelman-treatment-ultragenyx-autism-844.jpg)
Angelman therapy appears safer in restarted trial
Interim results from the previously paused trial suggest that doses of the experimental gene therapy drug GTX-102 are well tolerated in children with the autism-linked condition.
Enrichment lessens Angelman-like traits in male mice
Model animals don’t develop the usual behavioral and motor problems when reared in an enclosure containing exercise wheels, toys and treats.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/844Spectrum_Mouse.jpg)
Enrichment lessens Angelman-like traits in male mice
Model animals don’t develop the usual behavioral and motor problems when reared in an enclosure containing exercise wheels, toys and treats.
One-shot gene therapy for Angelman syndrome shows promise in mice
A potential new gene therapy delivered via a single injection mimics ratios of proteins normally found in cells.
![UBE3A expression in mouse brain slices, shown in green.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hUBE3A-844.jpg)
One-shot gene therapy for Angelman syndrome shows promise in mice
A potential new gene therapy delivered via a single injection mimics ratios of proteins normally found in cells.
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.