SHANK3 (IMAGE) Duke University Caption Autism-linked protein SHANK3 (shown in red) and pain receptor TRPV1 (green) are both present and interact with one another in sensory neurons outside of the brain. The new finding is the first to connect autism to one of the most well-studied pain receptors. Credit Qingjian Han, Duke University School of Medicine Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.