behave.
It’s more common than many realize—about one in every 59 children is diagnosed with it. Boys are about four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
While scientists have known about autism for many decades, they still don’t fully understand what causes it. But a new study from Northwestern University has brought researchers one step closer to understanding how autism may begin in the brain.
The study focused on how brain cells connect with each other during early development. These connections, called synapses, are like bridges that allow brain cells to send and receive signals. Every time we think, move, or learn something new, brain cells talk to each other through these tiny connections.
When the number or quality of these connections is reduced, the brain can have trouble processing information properly. This can affect learning, social skills, and behavior—all common challenges for people with autism.
The researchers found that a gene called ANK3 plays an important role in this process. This gene produces a protein known as ankyrin-G, which helps brain cells grow and make connections.
Problems with this gene have already been linked to several brain conditions, including autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. But until now, scientists didn’t know exactly how it was involved in these conditions.
The new research discovered that ankyrin-G helps build small structures on brain cells called dendritic spines. These spines grow from the branches of brain cells and act as the connection points for synapses.
When there are fewer dendritic spines, brain cells struggle to form enough synapses, leading to weaker communication between them. This weak communication might explain some of the difficulties in social interaction and learning seen in people with autism.
The study also revealed that another protein, called Usp9X, helps ankyrin-G do its job. Usp9X acts like a stabilizer—it keeps ankyrin-G strong and working properly.
Without Usp9X, the levels of ankyrin-G drop, and dendritic spines cannot grow as they should. When this happens, the brain’s ability to build new connections during early development is disrupted.
This finding is important because the first few years after birth are a crucial period for brain growth. During this time, the brain forms billions of new connections that support learning and behavior. If proteins like Usp9X and ankyrin-G aren’t working properly, the brain may form fewer connections, which could contribute to autism.
To explore this idea further, the researchers studied mice that had lower levels of ankyrin-G. These mice had fewer synapses and showed learning and behavioral problems as they grew older.
They struggled with memory and social interaction—symptoms similar to those often seen in autism. This supports the idea that disruptions in brain communication can lead to developmental challenges.
The scientists believe that changes, or mutations, in the Usp9X gene may play a role in causing autism. If Usp9X doesn’t function correctly, it may prevent the brain from forming the healthy connections it needs for normal development.
This research helps explain why autism involves differences in brain communication rather than damage to one specific area of the brain.
The study, published in the journal Neuron and led by researcher Peter Penzes, offers new hope for understanding autism at a biological level. Knowing how genes like Usp9X and ANK3 affect brain development could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat autism earlier in life.
It may even help scientists design therapies that encourage the brain to grow more synapses and improve communication between brain cells.
While more research is needed, these findings bring new possibilities. In the future, treatments that support brain connectivity could help improve learning, memory, and communication for people with autism. Understanding how the brain’s wiring develops is a big step toward helping people on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about Middle-aged women with no kids may have this mental issue and findings of scientists find a cause of mental illnesses induced by childhood abuse.
For more about mental health, please read studies about Frequent painkiller use linked to mental health risks in these people and findings of Common depression drugs may offer new treatment for bipolar disorder.
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