FOXP2

Recent articles

Research image of neurons.

Abundant motor proteins disrupt cries in FOXP2 mice

Knocking down the gene that codes for the proteins normalizes the vocalizations.

By Laura Dattaro, Maaisha Osman
28 July 2023 | 3 min read
Genetic sequencing on computer screen in lab setting.

Online library details traits linked to genetic conditions

An expanding collection of websites compiles up-to-date information on the characteristics of people with mutations in genes linked to autism and other conditions.

By Chloe Williams
31 March 2021 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Study uncovers link between autism risk gene, language

Mutations in TBR1, a candidate gene for autism, compromise its functions and its ability to bind its partners — including FOXP2. Alan Packer explores the gene’s emerging link to language.

By Alan Packer
30 September 2014 | 4 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

What the FOX says: Genes that bridge autism, language

To understand the role of FOXP2, a gene that links autism and language, researchers should look at its partner genes and at language models such as songbirds, say Genevieve Konopka and Todd Roberts.  

By Genevieve Konopka, Todd Roberts
29 April 2014 | 5 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Molecular mechanisms: FOXP2 leads to new autism gene

FOXP2, a language gene that is linked to autism, may regulate active connections between neurons by controlling the levels of a protein called SRPX2, according to a study published 22 November in Science.

By Jessica Wright
24 January 2014 | 2 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Simon Fisher: Hunting on the FOXP2 trail

Simon Fisher made headlines in 2001 for finding the first gene related to language. He has been following FOXP2 ever since, and has found that it is important in autism and other psychiatric disorders.

By Virginia Hughes
20 May 2013 | 8 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Network of protein variants suggests new autism genes

Researchers have created a network of various forms of many proteins linked to autism, revealing new molecular interactions that may play a role in the disorder. The unpublished work was presented in a poster last week at the Salk Institute, Fondation IPSEN and Nature Symposium on Biological Complexity in La Jolla, California.

By Sarah DeWeerdt
25 January 2013 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Video: Language’s variable role in autism

In a video interview, Simon Fisher discusses what language genes such as FOXP2 can reveal about the nature of autism.

By Virginia Hughes
15 October 2012 | 1 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Genetics: Language gene may regulate autism, schizophrenia

FOXP2, a protein linked to language development that regulates the expression of some autism-associated genes, also dampens expression of DISC1, mutations in which have been linked to both schizophrenia and autism. The results were published 20 March in Human Molecular Genetics.

By Jessica Wright
11 April 2012 | 3 min read
Spectrum from The Transmitter.

Scientists link new deficits to FOXP2 mutations in mice

Mice with mutations in a gene tied to language impairment and to autism have trouble learning to associate sounds with motor patterns, says a study published last week in PLoS ONE.

By Alla Katsnelson
22 March 2012 | 6 min read

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Cara Pugliese.

Autism program chief among National Institutes of Health layoffs

The termination is one of more than 1,000 employee cuts at the U.S. agency this week.

By Rachel Zamzow
21 February 2025 | 3 min read
Illustration of columns of text with eyes peeking out from behind the central column to look at a bright blue spot.

This paper changed my Life: Bill Newsome reflects on a quadrilogy of classic visual perception studies

The 1970s papers from Goldberg and Wurtz made ambitious mechanistic studies of higher brain functions seem feasible.

By Bill Newsome
21 February 2025 | 6 min read
Interconnected lines form a world map.

Science must step away from nationally managed infrastructure

Scientific data and independence are at risk. We need to work with community-driven services and university libraries to create new multi-country organizations that are resilient to political interference.

By Dan Goodman
20 February 2025 | 7 min read