"Unveiling the Crucial Role of SYNGAP1 Gene in Early Brain Development and Autism"
A new study reveals that SYNGAP1 gene variants, which are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have unexpected impacts on early brain development. Researchers found that the SYNGAP1 protein is present in progenitor cells, challenging the belief that it is only found in mature neuron synapses. This suggests that disrupted cortical development and disordered neural circuitry in patients may begin earlier than previously thought, potentially influencing future treatments for SYNGAP1-related disorders. The findings highlight the importance of targeting both synapse function and early developmental defects in ASD therapies.