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Close Topic OptionsAutism: New Genetic Link
Autism Genetic Link - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 10th Jun, 2010 - 4:54pm
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Semaphorin 5A
Autism: New Genetic Link
The medical studies to find out what causes Autism continue and even though we do not know exactly what is the cause, we know there is a big genetic link to it. A new study reveals more of several genetic mutations than a single one as previously thought.
QUOTE SALT LAKE CITY -- Researchers haven't been able to pinpoint exactly what causes autism, but now an international group of doctors say they may have located a genetic link.
Three scientists from the University of Utah were involved in the study that is now published in the journal Nature.
The doctors collected genetic samples from 1,000 families affected by autism; 150 were from Utah. They've identified a specific gene called Semaphorin 5A, which they believe is linked to autism.
Dr. Bill McMahon, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Utah
The study also suggests autism is a result of several genetic mutations, rather than a single mutation as previous studies have stated.
Semaphorin 5A is a protein that helps the brain connect one neuron to another during development. Dr. Bill McMahon, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Utah, says autism affects nearly 1 percent of children and is a health crisis worldwide.
The study also revealed there could be even more genes similar to Semaphorin 5A linked to autism. McMahon says this is a very complex problem that will take much more research, but the findings are a significant step toward finding a cause...
Three scientists from the University of Utah were involved in the study that is now published in the journal Nature.
The doctors collected genetic samples from 1,000 families affected by autism; 150 were from Utah. They've identified a specific gene called Semaphorin 5A, which they believe is linked to autism.
Dr. Bill McMahon, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Utah
The study also suggests autism is a result of several genetic mutations, rather than a single mutation as previous studies have stated.
Semaphorin 5A is a protein that helps the brain connect one neuron to another during development. Dr. Bill McMahon, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Utah, says autism affects nearly 1 percent of children and is a health crisis worldwide.
The study also revealed there could be even more genes similar to Semaphorin 5A linked to autism. McMahon says this is a very complex problem that will take much more research, but the findings are a significant step toward finding a cause...
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I hope in the next decade they can put something tangible in writing as to the cause. It will be a great help to the parents who may want to have children and the risks involved, because believe me it is not a joke, life is not easy as it is and when you do not know what is coming you can be in for a very rough ride.
TOPIC: Autism: New Genetic Link