New genetic signature
for autism
Patterns found in autistic children’s genomes — the complete set of genetic instructions inside cells — have revealed a new genetic signature for the disorder. The signature helps explain cases that don’t have other genetic markers of autism. The results, reported in the journal Cell , suggest that scanning a patient’s entire genome could help researchers better understand the suite of genetic abnormalities underlying autism. If replicated, the findings could eventually help doctors diagnose the disorder. Current genetic test scans detect 10% to 30% of cases. Researchers in the U.S. identified genetic changes that disrupted gene function and led to altered protein production, and genetic deletions too small to see with current tests. The researchers also found changes in areas of the genome that do not contain genes but are responsible for turning genes on. — Eurekalert
