April 29th, 2009

Reports the Philadelphia Inquirer:

By analyzing DNA from more than 2,000 autistic children, researchers have uncovered the best evidence yet for genetic links to the disorder – all tied to the way brain cells form and dissolve connections.

The research effort, led by Hakon Hakonarson at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, used much larger samples than had been analyzed before to identify genetic differences between autistic subjects and controls.

The CHOP group collaborated with Penn, UCLA, and other institutions, announcing their findings in two papers in today’s issue of the journal Nature.

One paper revealed the first common genetic variation found to occur more often among autistic people. The other paper announced 13 rarer genetic mistakes that are strongly associated with autism.

Both papers back the consensus that there is no single autism gene, but perhaps 100 ways to develop the disorder.

Get many more details on the study, including how researchers hope to someday use the information to develop individualized treatments for autism,  from the Inquirer.