Developmental convergence and divergence in human stem cell models of autism

This research investigates the complex genetic architecture of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by utilizing human cortical organoids to model how diverse mutations affect early brain development. By analyzing the transcriptomes of these 3D cellular models across multiple developmental stages, the authors identify a convergent regulatory hierarchy where hundreds of distinct risk genes impact shared biological pathways. A central discovery is the identification of Module 5 (M5), a group of high-level regulators—including chromatin remodelers like the BAF complex—that appear to act as upstream controllers of broader gene networks associated with the disorder. Through CRISPR-based screening and protein interaction mapping, the study demonstrates that despite the aetiological heterogeneity of autism, various rare and common genetic variants often result in similar disruptions to fundamental processes like synaptic organization and cellular proliferation. Ultimately, this work provides a framework for understanding how a vast array of independent genetic "starts" can lead to the overlapping clinical features observed in neurodevelopmental conditions.