DYRK1A
Recent articles
Some social issues in DYRK1A model mice stem from faulty inhibitory circuits
Alterations in inhibitory circuits and difficulties in social recognition characterize mice missing one copy of DYRK1A, a gene linked to autism.
![A research image of a mouse hippocampus](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-DYRK1A-autism.webp)
Some social issues in DYRK1A model mice stem from faulty inhibitory circuits
Alterations in inhibitory circuits and difficulties in social recognition characterize mice missing one copy of DYRK1A, a gene linked to autism.
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.
![Research image of zebrafish forebrains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-lede.png)
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.
Autism and the cell’s antennae
Many autism-linked genes are somehow tied to cilia, the tiny hair-like sensors that stud a cell’s surface. But the question remains whether, and how, cilia differences contribute to the condition.
![Lab images of cilia.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cilia-Seabra-lab-autism-844.jpg)
Autism and the cell’s antennae
Many autism-linked genes are somehow tied to cilia, the tiny hair-like sensors that stud a cell’s surface. But the question remains whether, and how, cilia differences contribute to the condition.
Screening zebrafish autism models: A quick take at SfN with Ellen Hoffman
Zebrafish with mutations in 10 different autism-linked genes show a range of unique and shared phenotypes.
Screening zebrafish autism models: A quick take at SfN with Ellen Hoffman
Zebrafish with mutations in 10 different autism-linked genes show a range of unique and shared phenotypes.
Mapping the futures of autistic children
Researchers can roughly project what autistic children's lives will look like years down the road. But how good is their crystal ball — and what are its benefits?
![Illustration shows yellow landscape with blue sections and a lot of trains on paths with kids on the trains, going different directions.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lead-844.jpg)
Mapping the futures of autistic children
Researchers can roughly project what autistic children's lives will look like years down the road. But how good is their crystal ball — and what are its benefits?
Jump-starting growth signaling reverses microcephaly in autism mouse model
A genetic therapy and an existing drug both restore typical brain size in mice missing DYRK1A, a top autism candidate gene, in the cerebral cortex, a new study shows. The animals typically have smaller brains than controls.
![Two views of mouse brain slices colorized in green and red.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210430-Dyrk1a-844.jpg)
Jump-starting growth signaling reverses microcephaly in autism mouse model
A genetic therapy and an existing drug both restore typical brain size in mice missing DYRK1A, a top autism candidate gene, in the cerebral cortex, a new study shows. The animals typically have smaller brains than controls.
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.
Mutations in frogs point to autism genes’ shared role in neurogenesis
Mutations in any of 10 autism-linked genes in frogs lead to the same overabundance of brain cells that develop into neurons; the sex hormone estrogen lowers this excess.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20210203-NeurogenesisGlow844.jpg)
Mutations in frogs point to autism genes’ shared role in neurogenesis
Mutations in any of 10 autism-linked genes in frogs lead to the same overabundance of brain cells that develop into neurons; the sex hormone estrogen lowers this excess.
How families are driving the study of autism genes
Parents of children with rare autism-linked mutations are banding together for support and to join forces with scientists, accelerating the pace of research.
![children playing at a genetic family group meeting](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190410-FamilyGroupslede844-1.jpg)
How families are driving the study of autism genes
Parents of children with rare autism-linked mutations are banding together for support and to join forces with scientists, accelerating the pace of research.
Small head, speech delay characterize mutations in autism gene
Children with mutations in a gene called DYRK1A, a leading autism candidate, have a distinct set of features, including intellectual disability, speech delay, motor problems and a small head.
![Grid of 8 portraits of children with characteristic facial features](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/20170514-DRYKA-844.jpg)
Small head, speech delay characterize mutations in autism gene
Children with mutations in a gene called DYRK1A, a leading autism candidate, have a distinct set of features, including intellectual disability, speech delay, motor problems and a small head.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.