Study discovers gene that can prevent autism

ASD Breakthrough: Gene Discovery Sheds New Light on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a gene, Astrotactin 2 (ASTN2), that could potentially prevent autism. Defects in the ASTN2 protein disrupt neural circuitry in the cerebellum, affecting children with neurodevelopmental conditions. The absence of ASTN2 in mice led to autism-like behaviors and changes in the cerebellum, reinforcing its role in cognitive functions. Future research will focus on examining human cerebellar cells with ASTN2 mutations and investigating other autism-linked genes. Aug 18, 2024