The genetics behind specific language impairment

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Reported December 1, 2008

The Genetics Behind Language Impairment

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research suggests different types of

language disorders may be genetically linked.

Variations of a gene called FOXP2 have been shown in previous

research to cause a rare speech and language disorder, and mutations

that affect the gene are associated with difficulties in learning and

speaking. A new study shows a gene targeted by FOXP2 is associated

with language impairment caused by several different disorders.

Researchers evaluated the speaking ability of families with a certain

type of language impairment called specific language impairment.

Those with autism or any other condition that affects speech were

excluded from the study. The researchers then examined genes targeted

by FOXP2 in the participants.

They found a gene called CNTNAP2 was directly affected by FOXP2 and

can be associated with deficits in common types of language

impairment. The findings give scientists hope they will soon better

understand the genetics behind language disorders.

" Further analyses of the relevant regulatory networks -- including

the FOXP2-CNTNAP2 pathway identified here -- may lead to a better

understanding of neurogenetic mechanisms involved in typical language

disorder, " study authors wrote.

Results of the study also reveal certain variations in CNTNAP2 are

associated with difficulty speaking in both language disorders and

autism. Previous research has shown variations in the gene to be

involved in Tourette's syndrome and a condition called focal

epilepsy, which can cause autistic characteristics.

SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine, 2008;359:2337-2345