Although some ASD risk genes have hardly been studied, for many others, a wealth of basic research data is already available. In the current project, August Smit and Matthijs Verhage aim to better disclose this available information, especially for synaptic genes, to support the translation of genetic findings into specific disease concepts.

Recent technological advances have identified many ASD risk genes, but how these genes affect brain development and function remains unknown, especially in primates. In the current project, Xinyu Zhao, Qiang Chang, André Sousa and Daifeng Wang plan to genetically manipulate three ASD risk genes in marmoset brain slices followed by multimodal integrative analysis of electrical activities, gene expression and chromatin accessibility of single neurons in the prefrontal cortex. The results will provide new and in-depth knowledge of the neuronal functions of these genes in primate brains.