Gene Found To Play Role In Autism

Washington (dbTechno) - Three different research teams have all found a gene which appears to play a huge role in the development of autism.

UCLA scientists made the actual discovery of the gene, which is contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2). It is most active in the areas of the brain which regulate language and thought. It was found that children with this gene have a higher risk of having problems with speech such as speech delays, autism.

Research teems at Johns Hopkins University as well as Yale University all link the CNTNAP2 gene to autism.

The study from UCLA scientists appears in the Jan. 10 online edition of The American Journal of Human Genetics.

UCLA’s Dr. Daniel Geschwind stated “This gene not only may predispose children to autism. It also may influence the development of brain s tructures involved in language, providing a tangible link between geens, the brain and behavior.”

The gene was found to be strongest in families with autistic boys.