Link between genes and autism is described

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Different genes may influence the risk of autism in boys and girls.
Researchers at the Autism Center at the University of Washington have been looking for the genes invoved in the condition for almost ten years now. In their most recent report, they looked at the DNA of 169 families where two or more siblings had autism. The study also included data from another 54 families where there were individuals with autism and also individuals with less severe forms of the disease, such as Asperger's syndrome.

The findings confirm the existence of an autism-related gene on chromosome seven and also evidence for other autism genes on chromosomes three, four and 11. These genes are susceptiblity genes - they do not 'cause' autism but they are involved, in certain variants, in the disease. This new study suggests that different genes are involved in autism in males and females, and also in early and late-onset forms of autism. Once the genes themselves are identified, genetic screening at birth may be possible, which will allow for earlier intervention for those potentially affected by autism. It will also lead to a better understanding of the biology of autism, which may open up new avenues to treating the disease.

Source
Molecular Psychiatry online 1st August 2006