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SHANK3

·September 4, 2025·5 min read

Autism Gene Found to Alter Brain’s Social Hormone Signals

A new study reveals how a mutation in the Shank3 gene, associated with autism, alters social behavior by disrupting vasopressin release in the brain. In mice, this mutation reduced sociability and defensive aggression by limiting vasopressin reaching the lateral septum.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 27, 2022·4 min read

Investigators Develop New Therapy for Autism Subtype

Researchers have developed a new treatment that could potentially be used to treat patients with the Phelan-McDermid syndrome autism subtype.

This shows an organoid cerebral cortex slice

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 6, 2022·5 min read

Brain Organoids Provide a Window Into Autism

Investigating the effects of genetic abnormalities associated with autism and human brain development, researchers found brain organoids engineered to have lower levels of the ASD-associated SHANK3 gene had distinct features including neural firing hyperactivity, disruptions in pathways that cause cells to adhere to each other, and indications of ineffective neurotransmission.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 24, 2022·5 min read

Mechanism Shared by Mutations in Different Genes Associated With Autism, Schizophrenia, and Other Conditions Discovered

Researchers have identified a mechanism shared by mutations in the SHANK3 and ADNP genes. The genes have been associated with the development of ASD and schizophrenia.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 28, 2022·6 min read

Familiar Objects Can Prevent Autism-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model

Exposing mice with the autism-associated SHANK3 genetic mutation to new environments can trigger autism-like behaviors, including repetitive movements and problems with social engagement. However, adding familiar objects to the novel environment during the first exposure can reduce the behavioral and brain signaling deficits.

This shows medium spiny neurons in the NCA

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 31, 2022·4 min read

Gene-Environment Interactions That Drives Autism

Inducing massive inflammation resulted in an overexpression of Trpv4. The overexpression led to neural hyperexcitability that resulted in social avoidance behaviors associated with ASD in mouse models.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 23, 2021·4 min read

Study Find Links to Genetic Disorders in Walking Patterns

Researchers have linked Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome, two disorders associated with autism, to specific microscopic walking patterns.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 2, 2020·6 min read

Guilt by Dissociation: The Role of Serotonin in Autism

SERT Ala56 impacts the structure of the SERT protein cells, increasing the activity of the transporter to abnormally high levels. The high-activity state results in the removal of too much serotonin from brain sites where serotonin is needed, both during development and in adults.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 27, 2020·5 min read

Lithium may treat behavior linked to autism gene

Findings support the idea that lithium, a drug more commonly associated with the treatment of bipolar disorder, may help treat those with SHANK3 related autism.

Auditory Neuroscience Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·March 2, 2020·5 min read

Why those on the autism spectrum are often hypersensitive to light and noise

Mice lacking the autism-associated SHANK3 gene were more sensitive to sensation, including touch. The mice also had overactive excitatory neurons in the somatosensory cortex, which may account for sensory hypersensitivity.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 1, 2020·7 min read

Study may explain how infections reduce autism symptoms

Immune molecules produced during infection influence the social behaviors of mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. The findings may shed light on why some children on the autism spectrum experience a temporary reduction in behavioral symptoms when they have a fever.