Genetic Variant Linked to Autism

Scientists have uncovered a genetic variant leading to increased risk for autism.

Studying a sample of more than 1200 families with more than one child affected by autism, researchers found that children with autism spectrum disorders were more likely to have inherited a variant of the MET gene on Chromosome 7 which may limit gene expression and may ultimately impair development in affected regions of the brain. In fact, inheriting two copies of the gene more than doubled an individual's risk for the disorder.

Researchers note however, that this variation is fairly common and signals only an increased predisposition for autism when coupled with environment and other genetic factors. It nonetheless remains a significant discovery in understanding the biological causes of the disorder:

"We know that autism is the most heritable of neuropsychiatric disorders, but, thus far, we have not identified genes that consistently are associated with this developmental brain disease," said [National Institute of Mental Health] Director Thomas Insel, M.D. "This new finding is an important clue, which if replicated in an independent sample, will take us closer to understanding the genetic basis of autism."

Read more: Gene Linked to Autism in Families with More Than One Affected Child

See also: Autism