Possible Link Between Autism And Oxytocin Gene Via Non-DNA Sequence Mutation

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 21:14 in Biology & Nature

Researchers have uncovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and which doesn't involve changes to DNA sequence. The changes are to the way the genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism. The researchers found higher-than-usual numbers of gene-regulating molecules called methyl groups in a region of the genome that regulates oxytocin receptor expression in people with autism.

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