Re: (article) Study of half siblings provides genetic clues to autism

[Guest guest]

CJ wrote:

> I'm not a scientist, so I have no informed opinion on this one. Shared

> FYI only....

[ snip ]

> Study of half siblings provides genetic clues to autism

> By Jim Dryden -

>

> When a child has autism, siblings are also at risk for the disorder. New

> research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

> shows that the genetic reach of the disorder often extends to half

> siblings as well.

>

>

http://www.healthcanal.com/genetics-birth-defects/28498-Study-half-siblings-prov\

ides-genetic-clues-autism.html

It's a decent summary of the original report; which itself is

interesting but not surprising.

The original report's first author (Constantino) is quoted by Dryden:

“In 15 to 20 percent of children with autism, it appears that genetic

problems aren’t inherited, rather that genes become altered in sperm

cells, egg cells or in the developing embryo,” he says. “The recent

discovery of these kinds of abnormalities have raised questions about

the interpretation of twin studies and the extent to which autism is

inherited. The current study, however, supports inheritance as a central

cause for a majority of autistic syndromes and encourages a new focus on

the mechanisms by which genetic susceptibility to autism can be silenced

in some individuals, especially females who typically exhibit symptoms

of autism at only one third of the rate seen in males.”

That's a rather good take-home capsule of " what we know today " . ...Has

to be read very carefully and thoughtfully though.

- Bill ...AS, retired clinical/research geneticist

--

WD " Bill " Loughman - Berkeley, California USA

http://home.earthlink.net/~wdloughman/wdl.htm