Autism Genes Found

By Vivian Richardson, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Scientists are closer to explaining the genetic causes of autism. After searching through the genes of more than 1,000 families affected by autism, researchers now have two possible genetic links to the brain disorder to explore. Knowing more about the genetic roots of autism may allow treatments and preventive therapies to be developed.

"It's unprecedented to have such a large group of families, and I think this is just a very promising beginning," Rita Cantor, Ph.D., told Ivanhoe. The University of California, Los Angeles geneticist is one of the scientists involved in a new study conducted by an international consortium of researchers.

The pooled DNA samples from 19 countries gave Dr. Cantor and the other researchers the chance to narrow the field down to two new possible genetic links to autism. People with autism in the study had similarities in an area of chromosome 11 and similar changes to neurexin 1, a gene involved in the development and function of a group of brain cells called glutamate neurons.

"The genetics of autism is very complex," said Dr. Cantor. "I'm hoping at some point we will identify genes that are truly predisposing to the disorder, and that someone will be able to target them and predict whether children will get the disorder, prevent them from getting the disorder, and, hopefully, even curing individuals who have the disorder."

Scientists involved in the project are continuing the search for specific genes and the biological mechanisms behind autism. Doctors diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders in one out of every 166 children born in the United States.

Dr. Cantor said parents of children can find hope in the results of this new study. "It means they won't have a solution tomorrow," she said. "Hopefully within the next 10 years, or five years if we get really lucky, we'll be able to do something for them. It's a long process."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Rita Cantor, Ph.D.; Nature Genetics, published online Feb. 18, 2007