News in Science - Autism gene scan unveils two new clues - 19/02/2007
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Autism gene scan unveils two new clues
Will Dunham
Reuters
Monday, 19 February 2007
DNA
Up to 90% of autism may have a genetic basis (Image: iStockphoto)
The most extensive findings to date on the genetics of autism has pinpointed two new genetic links that may predispose children to develop the complex brain disorder.
The study incriminated a gene called neurexin 1 as a possible susceptibility gene for autism.
This gene is involved with glutamate, a brain chemical previously implicated in autism that plays a role in early brain development.
A previously unidentified region of chromosome 11 also was implicated.
Earlier research in this field has identified regions on chromosomes 2, 7 and 17 as having a link with autism.
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The
glutamate system seems to pop up in a lot of medical things I read these days.
Anyone know what it is?
Does it have anything to do with MSG?
