New Findings

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Research identifies genetic link between GI problems, autism

The finding of a common allele on one gene may lead to better subtyping

along the autism spectrum, a new study suggests.

By _ Stagg Elliott_

(http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/site/bio.htm#elliott) , AMNews staff. Posted

March 10.

____________________________________

A significant proportion of people with autism have some form of

gastrointestinal distress. A gene that affects how neurons communicate in the

brain and

the way the digestive system defends itself may be the common root of these

ills, according to a study in the March Pediatrics.

" Our study brings together genetic risk for autism and co-occurring GI

disorders in a way that provides a biologically plausible explanation for why

they

are seen so often together, " said Pat Levitt, PhD, one of the study authors

and director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the University of

Southern California's Keck School of Medicine.

Researchers analyzed the genomes of 918 people from 214 families taking part

in the Autism Genetics Resource Exchange. An allele of the MET C gene was

associated with autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal problems in 118 of

the families with at least one child with both conditions. This gene was not

linked to autism in the 96 families with at least one child with the

neurological disorder but no sign of digestive problems.

The authors suggest this discovery is a step toward further subtyping autism.

It also could lead to identifying treatments that might be most effective

for this group.

" Autism is heterogeneous. It's a disorder where two kids with autism rarely

have the same symptoms, " said B. , PhD, lead author and

research assistant professor in the pharmacology department at Vanderbilt

University

in Tennessee. " If we can identify different types of autism, we may be able

to do a better job of designing treatment options. "

Future research plans include more precisely defining the nature of the

various GI problems to get a better handle on the link. Scientists also intend

to

investigate how this gene affects the immune system.

The study abstract is available online

(_pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/3/1018/_

(http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/3/1018/) ).

This content was published online only.

" Ms. Michele "

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