Fever has benefits beyond its role in fighting infection. According to a prospective study published in 2007 and to many anecdotal reports, fever can improve cognitive function and behavior in individuals with autism.
Several studies have shown that a micro-duplication within 15q11-13 — a region on chromosome 15 — on the maternal chromosome is associated with autism. The duplicated region contains many genes, but UBE3A, which encodes a ubiquitin ligase, deserves special attention because duplications apparently restricted to the UBE3A gene have been found in people with autism.
Researchers can use biomarkers to diagnose individuals with autism and to hone in on the underlying causes of the disorder. In July, SFARI held an informal meeting of minds at Stony Brook University to discuss biomarkers for autism.
Preliminary studies suggest that the so-called ‘love hormone’ oxytocin could improve some of the social deficits characteristic of people with autism. On 11 April, SFARI hosted a workshop to explore oxytocin’s relationship to social behavior and its potential as a therapy for autism.
On April 17, 2018, molecular neuroscientists and geneticists gathered at the Simons Foundation for a workshop on the role of chromatin-associated proteins in autism spectrum disorder. The workshop discussed the biology and function of these proteins in brain development, while considering translational opportunities and evaluating ways that SFARI could potentially help move research in this area forward.
SFARI Investigator Sung Han discusses his lab’s work and how the Bridge to Independence Award helped him launch his independent career in autism research.
On May 21, 2019, the recipients of the SFARI Bridge to Independence Award gathered at the Simons Foundation to discuss their scientific findings and plans in autism research.
Jessica Cardin and colleagues identified an important and unexpected role for the VIP subclass of interneurons in mediating the functions of MeCP2 in the development of cortical circuits.
On August 4, 2022, SFARI and Simons Searchlight helped to host two scientific workshops focused on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that are linked to mutations in the CSNK2A1 and SETBP1 genes. Meeting in Baltimore, the workshops were held in conjunction with a family conference that gathered together people with these conditions and their family members.