Genetic link between autism and epilepsy discovered
Tuesday 12th April 2011
Scientists in Canada have discovered a common genetic link between autism and epilepsy, which could prove a milestone for future approaches to treating the conditions.
The team at the CHUM Research Centre in Montreal found a severe mutation of the synapsin gene in members of a French-Canadian family which had members suffering from autism and epilepsy.
Just under one-third of autistic people also suffer from epilepsy, but the reason for this is currently unknown.
"The results show for the first time the role of the SYN1 gene in autism, in addition to epilepsy, and strengthen the hypothesis that a deregulation of the function of synapse because of this mutation is the cause of both diseases," said research leader Dr Patrick Cosette.
Meanwhile, a study in Washington, DC indicates that socioeconomic factors are playing a less pronounced role in autism diagnoses than they have in the past, although the authors claimed low-income sections of society are still underdiagnosed.
Written by Mathew Horton
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