Much of the recent advances in autism have been on the genetic and behavioral levels of dysfunction present in the disorder. Comparatively little is known about altered function in the underlying neural circuitry. Aiming to generate discussion on the best avenues to pursue in order to better understand the circuitry in autism, SFARI on 17 May held a one-day workshop.
Deficits in social behaviors are a core aspect of autism and can be quite debilitating. Despite significant advances in identifying genes associated with autism spectrum disorders, the neural circuits that mediate social behaviors remain obscure.
Michael Platt and colleagues found that monkeys create complex internal representations of social situations and uncovered neural circuitry supporting social cooperation.
On 5 February 2010, the Simons Foundation gathered a panel of experts to discuss what initially appears to be a surprising and unrelated pair of subjects: autism and fever. Anecdotal reports have found that fever can improve cognitive function and behavior in individuals with autism.
SFARI hosted a Circuit Dynamics Workshop to explore the role of neural circuits in autism.
New genetic variants that increase susceptibility to autism are emerging at a rapid pace. Given the profusion of data, it seems timely to assess the availability and usefulness of mouse models in which to study these genetic risk factors.
SFARI Investigator Liqun Luo discusses the neurodevelopmental disorder Smith-Magenis syndrome and his lab’s efforts to understand its underlying biology.
Choi proposes to use the MIA mouse model with a discrete, functionally relevant lesion in the primary somatosensory cortex to elucidate neural circuits that modulate ASD-associated behaviors.
On 28 October 2015, Catherine Dulac discussed the cellular and molecular architecture of neural circuits underlying instinctive social behaviors in mice.
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