Common autism gene found

Common autism gene found

Autism is a behaviour disorder in infants, caused by non genetic (environmental factors such as toxic exposure and prenatal infections) and/or genetic inheritance. Autism conditions vary a lot, with cases of severity ranging from severe mental retardation to students with an above average IQ, despite impaired language and social skills. Autism has been known to be more common in males than females. For example, Fragile X Syndrome is an X-linked genetic disorder that affects approximately 1/4000 males and 1/8000 females. It is the most common cause of mental retardation, caused by repeats of the codon CGG in the FMR1 gene, which codes the fragile X mental retardation protein.
Although autism has long been linked to genetic causes, researchers have not yet found out how much it contributes to autism, probably because of its high variability. New research on the autism gene has found a common gene mutation present in up to 20% more in autistic children that may be responsible for about 12 to 18% of autism, which is far more than previously discovered. This gene mutation affects synapses in the brain, disrupting neuron signals during a child’s development. These abnormal brain connections cause social behaviour impairment symptomatic in autistic children. This evidence gives rise to the possibility that soon gene therapy may be able to fix the genetic defects that are causing autism. Researchers also believe that soon they can diagnose the genetic defect before babies develop autism and then be able to administer therapy.

Avdjieva-Tzavella, D. (2008). Genetic and non genetic aspects of autism spectrum disorders. Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics, 11(1), 4-5.
http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?vxSiteId=cb519624-44a2-4bf7-808b-3514d34e96e4&vxChannel=Health
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/childrens-health/2009/04/28/what-the-autism-gene-finding-means-for-parents.html

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