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Genome structure could be key factor in some forms of autism
Variants in DNA stretches that do not code for proteins may alter the genome’s 3D architecture, influencing the expression of distant genes linked to autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DNA-variants-mutations-811-1024x692.webp)
Genome structure could be key factor in some forms of autism
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
These scores — composite measures of a person’s autism-linked common genetic variants — cannot predict an autism diagnosis but could help researchers better understand the condition’s underlying biology.
![Illustration of DNA methylation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-polygenic-risk-scores-autism-explained.jpg)
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
‘Dosage sensitivity map’ predicts active ingredients in copy number variants
The catalog of rare copy number variants tied to autism and other conditions could help researchers identify which genes account for the mutations’ effects.
![Illustration of two chromosomes with copy number variants.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/844_Duplication-Toolbox-Autism.jpg)
‘Dosage sensitivity map’ predicts active ingredients in copy number variants
Deletions on chromosome 22 have ripple effects across genome
Deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region alters the expression of numerous autism- and schizophrenia-linked genes, most of which are not contained within the deleted region, a new study suggests.
![Concept illustration of DNA deletion: 2 DNA strands extend horizontally across a burnt orange background. The bottom is intact, while there are gaps in the top strand.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/22q11.2-region-gene-autism-844.jpg)
Deletions on chromosome 22 have ripple effects across genome
The connection between oxytocin and autism, explained
Oxytocin, cemented in the popular imagination as the “love molecule,” could serve as a treatment for some autistic people who naturally have low levels of the hormone, researchers say.
![Illustration of a figure using a nasal spray.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Oxytocin-844-copy.jpg)
The connection between oxytocin and autism, explained
Explore more from The Transmitter
Food for thought: Neuronal fuel source more flexible than previously recognized
The cells primarily rely on glucose—rather than lactate from astrocytes—to generate energy, according to recent findings in mice.
![Research image of brain glucose levels in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-lactate-shuttle-astrocyte-1024x683.png)
Food for thought: Neuronal fuel source more flexible than previously recognized
The cells primarily rely on glucose—rather than lactate from astrocytes—to generate energy, according to recent findings in mice.
Claims of necessity and sufficiency are not well suited for the study of complex systems
The earliest studies on necessary and sufficient neural populations were performed on simple invertebrate circuits. Does this logic still serve us as we tackle more sophisticated outputs?
![Abstract illustration of overlapping lines.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Necessary-sufficient-neuro-1200-1024x692.png)
Claims of necessity and sufficiency are not well suited for the study of complex systems
The earliest studies on necessary and sufficient neural populations were performed on simple invertebrate circuits. Does this logic still serve us as we tackle more sophisticated outputs?
Subthalamic plasticity helps mice squelch innate fear responses
When the animals learn that a perceived threat is not dangerous, long-term activity changes in a part of the subthalamus suppress their instinctive fears.
![Research image of a mouse brain slice stained in purple and yellow.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fear-coronal-brain-1200-1-1024x692.png)
Subthalamic plasticity helps mice squelch innate fear responses
When the animals learn that a perceived threat is not dangerous, long-term activity changes in a part of the subthalamus suppress their instinctive fears.