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X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
![Illustration of an X chromosome against a black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/844-maternal-x-chromome-inherited-coding-variants-autism.png)
X-chromosome variants help explain autism’s sex bias
The rare variants are also linked to ADHD and Tourette syndrome, two other conditions that disproportionately affect boys and men.
‘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
The catalog of rare copy number variants tied to autism and other conditions could help researchers identify which genes account for the mutations’ effects.
Scans of sundry variant types uncover autism-linked genes
Troves of sequencing data reveal genes tied to autism through different variant types, providing a more complete picture of the condition’s genetic roots and new clues to its heterogeneity.
![Conceptual illustration of a DNA double helix](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/844-denovo-inherited-variants-autism.jpg)
Scans of sundry variant types uncover autism-linked genes
Troves of sequencing data reveal genes tied to autism through different variant types, providing a more complete picture of the condition’s genetic roots and new clues to its heterogeneity.
Q&A with Brenda Finucane: Building pipelines for genetic tests for autism
Most autistic people do not receive the medically recommended genetic tests for autism. Brenda Finucane and her colleagues want to change that.
![Young patient speaking to counselor.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DagnosticTesting-844.jpg)
Q&A with Brenda Finucane: Building pipelines for genetic tests for autism
Most autistic people do not receive the medically recommended genetic tests for autism. Brenda Finucane and her colleagues want to change that.
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
![White lab mouse sitting in a gloved hand.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200924-SUDEP-Dravet-844.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
Mutations in the same exon linked to similar autism traits
People with autism who carry DNA variants in the same protein-coding region of a gene have more similar cognitive abilities and behaviors than those who carry mutations in different regions of the same gene.
![Stylized DNA molecule](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201217-Exons844.jpg)
Mutations in the same exon linked to similar autism traits
People with autism who carry DNA variants in the same protein-coding region of a gene have more similar cognitive abilities and behaviors than those who carry mutations in different regions of the same gene.
Rare variants tied to neuronal migration, autism traits
Many people with mutations in the NCKAP1 gene have autism or autism traits, according to a new study spanning seven countries.
![Cells transporting NCKAP1 protein in and out of nucleus](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201207-NCKAP1-844new.jpg)
Rare variants tied to neuronal migration, autism traits
Many people with mutations in the NCKAP1 gene have autism or autism traits, according to a new study spanning seven countries.
Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
![Group of DNA helixes are seen on black](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20200211-Exome844.jpg)
Analysis combining variants, conditions uncovers hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes
The first genetic analysis of multiple types of variants from people with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions reveals hundreds of genes that may be linked to neurodevelopment.
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ASHGReax-844.jpg)
Reactions from ASHG 2020
Get the inside scoop from the 2020 American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
Blood lipid levels may be altered in some autistic people
About 6.5 percent of autistic people in the United States also have dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal lipids levels in the blood.
![Fat in bloodstream visualized as yellow balls, floating near blood cells, macro view.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200810-dyslipidemia-844.jpg)
Blood lipid levels may be altered in some autistic people
About 6.5 percent of autistic people in the United States also have dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal lipids levels in the blood.
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.