Recent research on autism conducted by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and their collaborators has shed new light on the complex mechanisms behind this neurological disorder. From neural hyperexcitability to anxiety vulnerability, these studies are working towards a unified understanding of autism.
The article discusses recent research on autism conducted by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and their collaborators. The researchers are working together through the Simons Center for the Social Brain, which is part of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative.
Some of the key findings and research areas include:
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Neural hyperexcitability: Researchers found that mutations in the autism-associated protein FMRP may alter the expression of molecular gates regulating ion exchange at synapses, leading to neural hyperexcitability.
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Prediction differences: Studies showed that autistic individuals exhibit lower performance levels and undervalue predictive significance compared to non-autistic individuals.
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Anxiety vulnerability: Researchers discovered that autism-associated mutations in synaptic proteins promote pathological anxiety, particularly in a novel thalamocortical circuit between the anteromedial nucleus of the thalamus and the cingulate cortex.
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Synaptic protein regulation: Scientists are investigating how mutations in FMRP affect molecular gates regulating ion exchange at synapses.
The article highlights the collaborative approach of the researchers, who are working together to understand the basic mechanisms of autism and develop future therapies and interventions. The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative emphasizes that fundamental research is crucial for developing translational and clinical approaches that can impact the lives of autistic individuals and their families.
Some of the key figures mentioned in the article include:
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Kelsey Martin: Executive Vice President of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative
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Troy Littleton: Professor at MIT’s Picower Institute, where Chhavi Sood is a postdoctoral researcher
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Guoping Feng: Poitras Professor of Neuroscience at MIT, where Lace Riggs is a postdoctoral researcher
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Pawan Sinha: Professor in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, who co-advises Lukas Vogelsang
The article mentions several related topics, including biology, brain and cognitive sciences, neuroscience, autism, anxiety, language, research, Picower Institute, McGovern Institute, School of Science, and special events and guest speakers.
