PTEN
Recent articles
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
![Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-mitochondria-autism.jpg)
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
Genetic background sways effects of autism-linked mutation
Experiments offer clues to why certain mutations are associated with autism in some people and not others.
![Composite research image of organoids at several stages of development.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-PTEN-genetic-background-autism-linked-mutation-final-1.png)
Genetic background sways effects of autism-linked mutation
Experiments offer clues to why certain mutations are associated with autism in some people and not others.
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-inside-fig-2C-1.png)
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
Two-drug combo blunts autism-linked pathway in brain
One drug blocks mTOR signaling, and the other stops the blocker from acting anywhere in the body but the brain, lowering the potential for side effects.
![A composite of many scans of mice illustrating the effectiveness of an experimental drug.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-final.png)
Two-drug combo blunts autism-linked pathway in brain
One drug blocks mTOR signaling, and the other stops the blocker from acting anywhere in the body but the brain, lowering the potential for side effects.
New diagnostic code for PTEN syndrome may spur research
The code may help scientists identify people with the autism-linked condition and recruit them into clinical trials.
![A woman in a lab coat types at a computer.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PTEN-syndrome-new-diagnostic-code-research-autism-844.jpg)
New diagnostic code for PTEN syndrome may spur research
The code may help scientists identify people with the autism-linked condition and recruit them into clinical trials.
The cloudy connection between fragile X and cancer
People with the autism-linked syndrome lack a protein implicated in several cancers, but it’s unclear whether — or how — they are protected from malignancies.
![Illustration of a binocular microscope with an X Chromosome in one eyepiece and cancer cells in the other.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/fragile-x-cancer-link-autism-844.jpg)
The cloudy connection between fragile X and cancer
People with the autism-linked syndrome lack a protein implicated in several cancers, but it’s unclear whether — or how — they are protected from malignancies.
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
![Stylized illustration combines flat color and 3D forms make up a mitochondria with human heads inside it.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/LeadMito844.jpg)
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
Null and Noteworthy: Null rejection, repetitive behaviors, unsuccessful treatments
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, tests of intranasal oxytocin and an Angelman syndrome treatment fail to see results.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210325-NullBlog-2-844.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Null rejection, repetitive behaviors, unsuccessful treatments
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, tests of intranasal oxytocin and an Angelman syndrome treatment fail to see results.
What studying worms, flies and fish says about autism
Researchers are increasingly turning to simple animals to learn about autism biology and find leads for new drugs.
![A lighthearted, colorful, chaotic lab scene with fruit flies flying in formation, worms peeking out of piles of dirt and zebrafish spilling out of beakers.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/AnimalModelLede844.jpg)
What studying worms, flies and fish says about autism
Researchers are increasingly turning to simple animals to learn about autism biology and find leads for new drugs.
Beyond the bench: A conversation with Holly Stessman
When Holly Stessman isn’t probing autism genes, she is tending to her flock of chickens or seeking out the next great sci-fi movie.
![Holly Stessman standing in her garden looking up and holding her two chickens.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Stessman-844.jpg)
Beyond the bench: A conversation with Holly Stessman
When Holly Stessman isn’t probing autism genes, she is tending to her flock of chickens or seeking out the next great sci-fi movie.
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.