Yearly Archives: 2011

Dr. Joseph Buxbaum presents the first rat model for Shank3

At the recent Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C., Dr. Joseph Buxbaum presented the first rat model lacking a copy of the Shank3 gene. This is a very important step in Shank3 research, as rat models provide benefits that … Continue reading

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“Growth factor improves autism symptoms in mice”

At the recent International Congress of Human Genetics in Montreal, Canada, Dr. Joseph Buxbaum presented findings indicating that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) leads to improvements in brain functioning in mice lacking a copy of the Shank3 gene. In 2012, Dr. … Continue reading

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New Study on SHANK3

A new study shows that SHANK3 is also involved in Alzheimer’s disease and shows the important role Zinc plays in the function of SHANK3. To read the full text of this study, please click http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21939532. To view all posts, click … Continue reading

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New York Times Letter to the Editor

The New York Times recently published an article about the transition into adulthood for people with ASD. The article details the experiences of one young man as he entered the work force. (Read the full article here: Autistic and Seeking … Continue reading

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Seaver Center Athletes

Congratulations to Alex Kolevzon, Clinical Director of the Seaver Autism Center, and Sandeep Soorya, (husband of Latha Soorya, Chief Psychologist of the Seaver Center), who placed 23rd in the Relay Team Division at the Nautica New York City Triathlon! Half … Continue reading

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Haploinsufficiency of SHANK3 Is Very Likely Cause of PMS Neurological Features

Researchers at the Cytogenetics Laboratory, Scientific Institute E. Medea in Bosisio Parini, Italy have completed a study using 22q13 deletions as a model for examining the mechanisms behind terminal deletions. This study confirms that the major neurological features of Phelan-McDermid … Continue reading

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Clinical Utility Gene Card for 22q13 Deletion Syndrome

Drs. Katy Phelan and Catalina Betancur have published a clinical utility gene card for 22q13 deletion syndrome. The card details aspects of the syndrome such as disease characteristics, test characteristics and clinical utility. To view the card, click http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21150887. To … Continue reading

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New Shank3 Mouse Models

A number of Shank3 mouse models have been created in an effort to explain the role that Shank3 mutations play in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features. Following the characterization of the first Shank3 mouse by Dr. Ozlem … Continue reading

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Shank3 Mouse Model Presentation at IMFAR

In May Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, Director of the Seaver Autism Center, was a member of the Shank3 gene research panel at the annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). Dr. Buxbaum and his team were the first group to publish … Continue reading

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2011 Mount Sinai Dean’s Award

Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, Director of the Seaver Autism Center, has been awarded the 2011 Mount Sinai Dean’s Award for Excellence in Translational Science, for his innovative work in gene discovery and the development of novel therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders. Congratulations! … Continue reading

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