A study published in the March 20, 2011 online edition of Nature reports that researchers from Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recreated autism in mice by mutating a gene called Shank3. Shank3 is one of hundreds of genes that have been linked to autism in humans. Mutations in Shank3 are believed to produce autistic-like behaviors by interfering with communication between brain cells. Scientists hope this discovery will help them understand the pathways in the brain that cause autism and lead to new, effective treatments for people of all ages.
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