Findings from the first SPARK genetics study have now been published. The study, which analyzed whole-exome and genome-wide genotyping data from 457 autism families, confirmed known genetic findings and identified new candidate autism risk genes.
New Simons Searchlight data were recently added to SFARI Base. This data release included phenotypic data from individuals with 16p11.2 copy number variants (CNVs), 1q21.1 CNVs and variants in 21 single genes associated with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
The Simons Variation in Individuals Project (Simons VIP) has been recently rebranded as Simons Searchlight. The new name aims to better reflect the program’s mission to build strong partnerships between researchers and families in order to shed light on genetic neurodevelopmental conditions. An updated website, improved registration process and more resources are also available, including new opportunities for individuals with a genetic diagnosis to join Simons Searchlight.
New data were recently added to SFARI Gene. This data release included the addition of new genes and copy number variant loci associated with autism. New mouse and rat models were also added.
SFARI is pleased to announce that it intends to fund nine grants in response to the 2019 Research Award request for applications.
On June 14, 2019, Alistair Ward and Chase Miller will introduce SFARI Viewer and show how this online platform can be used to visualize and analyze genomic and phenotypic data from the SSC and SPARK.
More than 65,000 people with autism are now enrolled in SPARK, making it the largest autism research study to date. Many of these individuals and their families are actively participating in research opportunities through the research match program.
Autism BrainNet has established a new collaboration with the Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank. This alliance will allow Canadian individuals and families the opportunity to consider making a postmortem brain donation to help advance autism research.