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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: MECP2

December 2017

Five hot topics in autism research in 2017

by  /  22 December 2017

We waded through the sea of autism studies published in 2017 and spotted several themes.

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a virus shuttling between cells

Gene therapy success raises hopes for approach in Rett syndrome

by  /  20 December 2017

Success in a small clinical trial of spinal muscular atrophy suggests gene therapy might treat single-gene conditions related to autism.

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November 2017

Journal club: Exploring treatments for Rett syndrome

 /  11 December 2017

Watch the complete replay of this journal club, which featured two papers that explore therapies for Rett syndrome.

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mouse running up wheel

Experimental Huntington’s drug improves gait in Rett mice

by  /  14 November 2017

A candidate drug in clinical trials for Huntington’s disease reverses gait problems in a mouse model of Rett syndrome.

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monkey portrait

Scientists move closer to gene therapy for Rett syndrome

by  /  14 November 2017

A virus that delivers a working copy of the Rett syndrome gene to the brain improves features of the condition in mice, and appears to be safe in monkeys.

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ett syndrome drugs are unlikely to affect all neurons in the brain in the same way.

Rett syndrome mutation’s effects vary by cell type

by  /  14 November 2017

Mutations in the Rett syndrome gene MECP2 have different effects on subtypes of neurons.

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large adult hands holding small children's hands

Soothing sensory sensitivity may ease social problems in mice

by  /  12 November 2017

A treatment delivered to neurons that mediate touch can ease anxiety and social problems in two mouse models of autism.

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October 2017
Diptych of microscopic mice neurons

‘Mini-gene’ therapy relieves features of Rett syndrome in mice

by  /  11 October 2017

Delivering a fragment of the Rett syndrome gene MECP2 into neurons eases features of the syndrome in a mouse model.

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Microscope image of neuronal injections in brain.

Two drugs ease features of autism syndromes in mice

by  /  11 October 2017

Drugs that block certain brain enzymes could help treat two conditions associated with autism.

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September 2017

Rat study ties Rett syndrome gene to pain processing

by  /  21 September 2017

Mutations in MECP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, may alter the proportions and activity of sensory neurons in rats.

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