A Gene Mutation Alters Brain Development in Autism

in #science7 years ago

Scientists have found out that mutations of the gene CHD8, located on chromosome 14, lead to impaired cognitive function and increased brain volume. Both these characteristics are seen in patients with autism.

CDC reports that 1 in 68 children in the USA are diagnosed with autism. This condition is 4½ times more common in boys than in girls. While the precise cause is unclear, it is believed that environmental and genetic factors play a role in its pathogenesis.

CHD8 gene encodes for a protein responsible for DNA packaging. People with one mutated copy of this gene show signs of autism. CHD8 gene mutations not only affect brain development, but also continue to affect brain functioning throughout the life. Scientists are trying to build an integrated model that links genetic control of brain development with behavior and brain function.

Source: Medical News Today
U5drZpThZws9D1nuKf3EZPKpk4J1Cn7_1680x8400.jpg

Sort:  

Please provide a direct link to cited source.

Source: https://steemit.com/medicine/@ghasemkiani/a-gene-mutation-alters-brain-development-in-autism

Not indicating that the content you copy/paste is not your original work could be seen as plagiarism.

Some tips to share content and add value:

  • Using a few sentences from your source in “quotes.” Use HTML tags or Markdown.
  • Linking to your source
  • Include your own original thoughts and ideas on what you have shared.

Repeated plagiarized posts are considered spam. Spam is discouraged by the community, and may result in action from the cheetah bot.

Creative Commons: If you are posting content under a Creative Commons license, please attribute and link according to the specific license. If you are posting content under CC0 or Public Domain please consider noting that at the end of your post.

If you are actually the original author, please do reply to let us know!

Thank You!