PSD-95

Recent articles

Synaptic protein’s shape-shifting skills propel plasticity

SYNGAP supports learning without tapping its eponymous “GAP” enzymatic activity, according to a new study.

By Angie Voyles Askham
29 February 2024 | 0 min watch
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Signaling pathways link autism, schizophrenia

Autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability share underlying deficits in pathways that regulate how the brain encodes new experiences, says Jason Shepherd.

By Jason Shepherd
27 May 2014 | 5 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

High-throughput screen finds genes that link neurons

A new algorithm allows researchers to search among hundreds of genes and identify those involved in building synapses, the junctions that transmit signals between neurons, according to a report published 14 March in PLoS One.

By Jessica Wright
30 April 2014 | 1 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Fluorescent proteins shine new light on cells

Researchers have found a new way to light up proteins in living cells, revealing the connections between neurons, according to a study published 19 June in Neuron.

By Jessica Wright
17 July 2013 | 2 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Rats could model autism gender bias

Prenatal exposure of rats to the epilepsy drug valproic acid leads to behavioral and brain features that resemble autism, in males more than in females, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry.

By Jessica Wright
9 April 2013 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Pruning path links autism, fragile X

The protein lacking in fragile X syndrome works with three autism-linked proteins to fine-tune the connections between neurons, according to a study published 21 December in Cell.

By Jessica Wright
1 February 2013 | 1 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Rett syndrome-linked gene maintains neuronal connections

A gene linked to some types of Rett syndrome is needed for the stability of connections between neurons, according to research published 4 September in Nature Cell Biology.

By Emily Singer
10 September 2012 | 4 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene tied to neuronal junctions

Neurobeachin, or NBEA, an autism–associated gene, may regulate the transport of signaling molecules to neuronal branches, according to a study published 22 November in Nature Communications.

By Jessica Wright
24 January 2012 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: SHANK2 mutants alter synapses

Three mutations in SHANK2, an autism-associated gene, each lead to abnormal synapses, the junctions between neurons, according to a study in Human Molecular Genetics.

By Jessica Wright
30 November 2011 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: Fragments of RNA regulate synapse

Small fragments of RNA, called microRNAs, can fine-tune the levels of proteins at the junctions between neurons in response to cell signals, according to a study published 10 June in Molecular Cell.

By Jessica Wright
27 July 2011 | 2 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of fMRI scans showing decision-making across individuals.

During decision-making, brain shows multiple distinct subtypes of activity

Person-to-person variability in brain activity might represent meaningful differences in cognitive processes, rather than random noise.

By Claudia López Lloreda
18 April 2025 | 5 min read
Tic-tac-toe board with pills representing x’s and o’s.

Basic pain research ‘is not working’: Q&A with Steven Prescott and Stéphanie Ratté

Prescott and Ratté critique the clinical relevance of preclinical studies in the field and highlight areas for improvement.

By Sydney Wyatt
18 April 2025 | 7 min read
National Institutes of Health building cleaved in two.

Proposed NIH budget cut threatens ‘massive destruction of American science’

A leaked draft of a Trump administration proposal includes an approximately 40 percent cut to the National Institutes of Health’s budget and a major reorganization of its 27 institutes and centers.

By Angie Voyles Askham
17 April 2025 | 3 min read