autism's polluted de novo mutations - paper by Dennis Kinney et al

April 21, 2012

Given the great hullabaloo about de novo mutations in a small percentage

of autistic children, the paper by Dennis Kinney and colleagues (2010)

seems all the more important. The researchers focused upon pollutants

already associated with autism and co-presented studies linking many of

those pollutants with genotoxicity. The study is also remarkable because

it's written in understandable language. We note that the researchers'

intent was other than listing every pollutant known to be mutagenic.

Indeed, these other pollutants are important, but a major strength of

Kinney et al is their well honed focus so directly relevant to de novo

mutations in autistic children. When reporters writing about de novo

mutations in autism don't mention pollutants, those reporters can be

encouraged to read Kinney et al 2010, which is open access at the link

hereinbelow.

~//

Environmental risk factors for autism: do they help cause de novo

genetic mutations that contribute to the disorder?

Kinney DK, Barch DH, Chayka B, Napoleon S, Munir KM.

Med Hypotheses. 2010 Jan;74(1):102-6.

PS: This post may be forwarded hither & yon.

Recommended Posts