Synapse

The Complement System: An Unexpected Role in Synaptic Pruning During Development and Disease

Submitted by nlombardi on March 25, 2013 - 14:52
Source: 
Annual Review of Neuroscience
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22715882
Date Published: 
2012
Abstract: 

Researchers unexpectedly found that neural complement proteins may have a roll in the elimination of connections between brain cells, potentially driving disease progression.

Special Report: Connectivity

Submitted by djohnson on March 25, 2013 - 10:37
Source: 
SFARI
Link: 
http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/specials/2013/connectivity/connectivity-special-report
Date Published: 
March 25, 2013
Abstract: 

This special report from the Simons Foundation looks at neural connectivity theories of autism.

SFARI Gene

Submitted by djohnson on February 21, 2013 - 13:40
Source: 
SFARI
Link: 
https://gene.sfari.org/autdb/Welcome.do
Date Published: 
February 21, 2013
Abstract: 

SFARI Gene is an integrated resource for the autism research community. It is a publicly available, curated, web-based, searchable database for autism research. This resource is built on information extracted from the studies on molecular genetics and biology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The genetic information includes data from linkage and association studies, cytogenetic abnormalities, and specific mutations associated with ASD.

Timothy Syndrome is Associated with Activity-dependent Dendritic Retraction in Rodent and Human Neurons

Submitted by djohnson on January 18, 2013 - 15:11
Source: 
Nature Neuroscience
Link: 
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.3307.html#/affil-auth
Date Published: 
January 13, 2012
Abstract: 

Stanford researchers, including ASF Grantee Alex Shcheglovitov, discovered a key mechanism underlying Timothy syndrome, a disorder associated with ASD.

Scientists Home in on Autism Candidate Gene’s Role in Brain

Submitted by djohnson on November 29, 2012 - 12:20
Source: 
SFARI
Link: 
http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/news/2012/scientists-home-in-on-autism-candidate-gene-role-in-brain
Date Published: 
November 26, 2012
Abstract: 

Four new studies of neuroligin-1 (NLGN1), a gene linked to autism, unravel its complex role in regulating synapses, the connections between neurons.

Rectifying Neuroligin Synthesis Reverses ASD Symptoms in Mice

Submitted by djohnson on November 22, 2012 - 17:01
Source: 
Nature
Link: 
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature11628.html
Date Published: 
November 21, 2012
Abstract: 

Abnormally high production of neuroligins, proteins involved in synapse formation, resulted in ASD symptoms in mice. Researchers reversed ASD symptoms by reducing neuroligin synthesis.

Postmortem Brain Analysis Points to Autism Candidate Genes

Submitted by djohnson on October 17, 2012 - 16:11
Source: 
SFARI
Link: 
http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/conference-news/2012/society-for-neuroscience-2012/postmortem-brain-analysis-points-to-autism-candidate-genes
Date Published: 
October 16, 2012
Abstract: 

Unpublished data presented at the 2012 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting show at least 30 genes show altered expression in brain tissue of people with autism. The ongoing study aims to include more samples than previous postmortem studies, and includes samples lost in Harvard’s freezer malfunction.

Shared Synaptic Pathophysiology in Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Rodent Models of Autism

Submitted by djohnson on September 17, 2012 - 15:06
Source: 
Science
Link: 
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2012/09/12/science.1224159
Date Published: 
September 13, 2012
Abstract: 

A new study finds that faulty neuronal circuits in autistic brains can be corrected even after the “critical window” of brain development.

New Clinical Study Evaluates First Drug to Show Improvement in Subtype of Autism

Submitted by Anonymous on April 26, 2012 - 12:56
Source: 
EurekAlert
Link: 
New clinical study evaluates first drug to show improvement in subtype of autism
Date Published: 
April 26, 2012
Abstract: 

In an important test of one of the first drugs to target core symptoms of autism, researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine are undertaking a pilot clinical trial to evaluate insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in children who have SHANK3 deficiency (also known as 22q13 Deletion Syndrome or Phelan-McDermid Syndrome), a known cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Mouse Model Provides Clues to Autism

Submitted by Anonymous on March 22, 2012 - 09:01
Source: 
PsychCentral
Link: 
Mouse Model Provides Clues to Autism
Date Published: 
March 22, 2012
Abstract: 

Vanderbilt scientists report that a disruption in serotonin transmission in the brain may be a contributing factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other behavioral conditions.