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Brain organoids mimic head size changes associated with type of autism

Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2021

Skin cells from frontotemporal dementia patients may prove useful in revealing disease mechanisms and in biomarker and drug research

Researchers discovered that skin fibroblasts from FTD patients exhibit pathological RNA foci, p62 protein-containing vesicles, and defective energy metabolism, which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatments. These findings may also be useful in testing drug effects on FTD patients.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 12, 2021

Wake-up call for neural stem cells

Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Parkinson's disease may start in the gut

Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2020

Leaving its mark: How frailty impacts the blood

Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new method to diagnose frailty using metabolomics and identified key biomarkers in the blood. The study found that 22 blood metabolites correlate with frailty, cognitive impairment, and hypomobility, offering potential for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

Diverse Parkinson's-related disorders may stem from different strains of same protein

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that misfolded α-syn proteins embedded in brain cells cause different Parkinson's-related disorders, depending on the type of cell. The researchers discovered a distinct strain of α-syn protein, which is 1,000-fold more potent in causing disease in animal models.

Using DNA to predict schizophrenia and autism

Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.

SourceOsaka University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2017

Within six families, a path to personalized treatment for an immune disorder

Researchers discovered a new class of common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) caused by IKAROS gene mutations, enabling definitive genetic diagnosis and potential personalized treatment. The study found six unrelated families sharing similar symptoms and changes in the same gene, highlighting the need for early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

Can autism be measured in a sniff?

Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 2, 2015

Nerve cells use each other as maps

Researchers found that nerve cells act as barriers or guides to position themselves correctly, creating a map for other cells to follow. This study uncovers an exciting new mechanism for how nerve cells position themselves in the first place, with important implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2015

Ferroptosis, a novel form of non-apoptotic cell death, holds great therapeutic potential

Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.

Multiple neurodevelopmental disorders have a common molecular cause

A study reveals that distinct genetic mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders produce similar molecular effects, suggesting a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach may be effective for conditions like seizures and ADHD. The research identifies shared molecular pathways involved in these diseases, providing new insights into their ca...

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 9, 2014

Pioneer Award recipients Marina Cavazzana and Adrian Thrasher recognized for advancing gene therapy to the clinic for immunodeficiency disorders

Marina Cavazzana and Adrian Thrasher have been honored with the Pioneer Award for basic and clinical gene therapy for immunodeficiency disorders. They are pioneers in treating life-threatening inherited diseases of the immune system with gene therapy, using a patient's own modified stem cells.

Wayne State University to search for potential drug targets to treat Barth Syndrome

Researchers at Wayne State University are searching for potential drug targets to treat Barth Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle and energy metabolism. Led by Miriam L. Greenberg, the team hopes to identify new treatments by restoring the TCA cycle metabolites affected by cardiolipin deficiency.

Mayo researchers discover tactic to delay age-related disorders

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that eliminating senescent cells can prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study showed that lifelong elimination of these cells delayed age-related disorders such as cataracts and muscle loss, and slowed their progression in already established diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2011