Genetic Insights Offer New Hope for Autism Treatment and Brain Development

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that SHANK3 gene mutations, linked to autism, impair not only neurons but also oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for myelin production. This disruption reduces brain signal efficiency. Using gene therapy, they successfully repaired these cells in mice and human-derived stem cells, restoring their function and myelin production. This study highlights the significant role of oligodendrocytes in autism and suggests potential new treatments targeting myelin dysfunction.