CD209 gene tagged posts

Compromised synapse-clearing ability linked to autism

Japanese researchers link compromised synapse-clearing ability to autism
Monocyte-derived macrophages modelled microglial function to explore impaired synaptic clearance in autism spectrum disorder (white: neurites of hiPS cell-derived neurons, green: macrophages from individuals with ASD, red: PSD95, a scaffolding protein in the postsynaptic region, blue: nuclei). Credit: Michihiro Toritsuka from Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Japan

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition in which affected individuals experience difficulties in social communication and exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests.

A growing body of research suggests that neurobiological changes, particularly abnormalities in dendritic spines, tiny protrusions on nerve cells where synapses form, may be a hallmark of ASD...

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