(NOVEMBER 8, 2022) Research on autism spectrum disorder conducted by Neuroscience Graduate Program doctoral student Erin Cullen and Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences Matthew Weston, Ph.D., in collaboration with researchers at Dartmouth’s medical school, was featured in Chip Chick. (Click on headline for more.)
Neuroscience Graduate Program doctoral student Erin Cullen
(NOVEMBER 8, 2022) A study conducted by Neuroscience Graduate Program doctoral student Erin Cullen and Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences Matthew Weston, Ph.D., in collaboration with molecular and systems biology researchers at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, furthered understanding of the neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by focusing on PTEN, a gene that normally works to control cell growth and regulate neurons’ ability to alter their connection strength, according to a Chip Chick story titled “Researchers Gained Further Understanding of Genetic Mutations and Autism That Indicates a New Potential Treatment Avenue.” The study’s findings suggest that mutated PTEN can cause ASD, as well as epilepsy and macrocephaly. The team is confident their findings are crucial for gaining a more robust understanding of ASD’s neurological basis and for the future development of patient therapies.