The cause of autism syndrome

A new method of scanning can be used to detect chromosomal mutations associated with autism. By scanning genetic defects associated with many types of cognitive injuries, the method will help doctors identify the cause of autism syndrome (ASDs).

Joseph Buxbaum of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, led a research team with a mission to assess the potential of the MLPA, a recently developed DNA research method. He said: 'MLPA is a chromosome recombinant search engine in a highly practical, inexpensive and fast autism spectrum.'

The number of people with autism increased rapidly, associated with chromosomal mutations. Many children with autism also experience cognitive impairment. In this study, the authors used MLPA on a group of 279 children with autism to look for variations associated with cognitive damage. Buxbaum describes: 'By focusing on common genetic disorders rather than an entire genome of an individual, MLPA is much more effective'.

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MLPA can search for known genetic disorders quickly. In addition, with MLPA researchers can identify new genetic changes that are likely to constitute autism, such as duplication (copies of genetic material) in chromosome 15 and 22 , exacerbating the symptoms of autism.

Although there is no cure for autism, early detection and participation in special education therapies or programs can alleviate some of the symptoms of autism.

Refer:
1. Cai Guiqing, Lisa Edelmann, Juliet E Goldsmith, Ninette Cohen, Alisa Nakamine, Jennifer G Reichert, Ellen J Hoffman, Danielle M Zuraweicki, Jeremy M Silverman, Eric Hollander, Latha Soorya, Evdokia Anagnostou, Catalina Betancur and Joseph D Buxbaum. Multiplex ligation - amplification dependent probe for genetic printing in autism spectrum disorders: Efficient identification of known microduplications and identification of một Microduplication in ASMT. BMC Medical Genomics, (in press)