Background: Missense mutations in the SHANK3 gene have been detected in autism patients. Results: A mutation in the conserved SPN region of Shank3 improves ligand binding to the ankyrin repeats. Conclusion:The SPN domain regulates accessibility of the ankyrin repeats through an intramolecular interaction. Significance: Autism-associated mutations of Shank3 result in gain-of-function with respect to specific interaction partners.

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Forced migration from one country to another leads the immigrants to have social, cultural, economic, language and educational problems. Meskhetians (Ahiska Turks) having lived in Ukraine for long were forced to migrate to Turkey and approximately one thousands families were allowed and accommodated in the city of Erzincan in the years between 2015-2017. Meskhetian children at school age have been admitted to Turkish Language courses in order to adapt the education at Primary, Secondary and High schools. The biggest and most important problem that they faced in educational institutions in Turkey is academic Turkish language, though their mother tongue is Turkish. In the study we aimed to determine the problems with acquirement of academic language skill and the suggestions of language instructors. To get the necessary data, we interviewed with five Meskhetian students in secondary school and high school and three language instructors who teach Turkish Language in Secondary Schools and University. We used Qualitative Research Method and Focused Group Interview to obtain necessary views from the participant instructors and students in our study. After analysing the data, we have concluded that the Meskhetian students have difficulty in multiple choice exams due to lack of academic Turkish and academic language skills, though their native language is Turkish. Also we determined that their academic vocabulary capacity in Turkish is insufficient for multiple choice exams, and should be developed and supported through academic language courses.