LATimes
Autism probably related to hundreds of genetic mutations, researchers say
Autism disorders are genetically very complex, involving many potential changes in DNA that may produce different forms of autism, three new studies say. One researcher says the studies give the first insight into how many areas of the genome are likely to contribute to autism.
Autism is not caused by one or two gene defects but probably by hundreds of different mutations, many of which arise spontaneously, according to research that examined the genetic underpinnings of the disorder in more than 1,000 families.
The findings, reported in three studies published Wednesday in the journal Neuron, cast autism disorders as genetically very complex, involving many potential changes in DNA that may produce, essentially, different forms of autism.
The affected genes, however, appear to be part of a large network involved in controlling the development of synapses, the critical junctions between nerve cells that allow them to communicate, according to one of the three studies.
.... Autism: Hundreds of genetic mutations likely linked to autism - latimes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment