A Fix for One Type of Autism

jane2007 submitted, created time 1 year 2 weeks (www.time.com)

The causes of autism remain largely shrouded in mystery, but there are some types of the disorder that can be traced to specific gene defects.The most common of these — responsible for roughly 5% of autism cases — is a flaw in the X chromosome that causes a condition known as Fragile X Syndrome. Because the defect has been studied on a molecular level, it provides a unique window into understanding autism — and treating it.

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Fragile X fixed in mice

Amygdala dysfunction in men with the fragile X premutation

Paramecium submitted, created time 1 year 10 months (brain.oxfordjournals.org)

The current findings may be related to social cognition deficits reported previously in children and adults with the premutation. The aetiology for this dysfunction may be elevated FMR1 mRNA or reduced FMR1 protein that occurs in carriers with higher premutation CGG repeat alleles.

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