Brain cells, interrupted: How some genes may cause autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia
Researchers have identified 46 genes that can disrupt a process that is critical to early brain development. The finding could help scientists find new treatments for disorders including autism.
A team of researchers has developed a new way to study how genes may cause autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders: by growing tiny brain-like structures in the lab and tweaking their DNA.
These "assembloids," described in the journal Nature, could one day help researchers develop targeted treatments for autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
"This really accelerates our effort to try to understand the biology of psychiatric disorders," says Dr. Sergiu, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and an author of the study.
