Twin study shows environment interacts with genes in autism
Twin study shows environment interacts with genes in autism
Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:00 GMT
Source: reuters // Reuters
* Researchers analysed 50 sets of twins, some with autism
* Identical genes allow scientists to see other influences
* Autism affects 1 in 100 in Europe, up to 1 in 50 in U.S.
By Kate Kelland
LONDON, April 23 (Reuters) - Scientists have found patterns of change in gene activity involved in autism in a study that shed light on how environmental factors can work to turn certain genes on or off and contribute to the development of the brain disorder.
In the largest study of its kind, researchers analysed data from 50 sets of twins to try to find out what might have caused some of them to develop autism while their genetically identical siblings did not.
Chloe Wong, of the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) at King's College London, who worked on the study, explained that epigenetic changes affected levels or activity of genes without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Scientists think they are one way in which the environment interacts with the genome.
Importantly, she said in a telephone interview, epigenetic changes are also potentially reversible, so finding out more about them may point researchers towards the development of new medicines or treatments.
More:
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/twin-study-shows-environment-interacts-with-genes-in-autism