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New causes of autism found in 'junk' DNA

Researchers used machine learning to analyze whole genomes of 1,790 individuals with autism and their unaffected parents and siblings. Noncoding mutations were found to be comparable in number to protein-coding mutations causing gene disablement.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 27, 2019

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2018

Family genetics vital for understanding autism progression

A new study finds that individuals with a disease-associated mutation can have vastly different symptoms due to the total amount of rare mutations in their genome. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of mutations and cognitive development, IQ scores, and head size.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

Blindness gene discovered

UNIGE researchers identified a new gene, MARK3, as the cause of a recessive genetic disorder leading to childhood blindness. The discovery enables accurate diagnosis and may lead to personalized treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 23, 2018

Rise of the clones

Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified inherited and acquired mutations that drive clonal hematopoiesis, an age-related white blood cell condition linked with higher risk of certain blood cancers and cardiovascular disease. The study found that inherited genetic variants can influence the acquisition of later-life mutations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2018

Newly identified gene mutation results in intellectual disability and developmental delay

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a genetic mutation associated with intellectual disability, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and congenital cardiac anomalies. The mutation, in the NAA15 gene, is linked to Ogden syndrome, a more severe condition also caused by a mutation in the NAA10 gene.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 12, 2018

Scientists find link between congenital cardiac malformation and adult adrenal cancer

A genetic mutation in EPAS1/HIF2A gene is found to be the main reason for the development of adrenal gland tumors in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The study also reveals that patients with this severe type of heart disease have a sixfold higher risk of developing these tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2018

Mapping a genetic risk

Researchers mapped gene expression levels to understand how mutations affect traits, finding non-linear relationships that aren't proportional to the level of mutation. This discovery helps improve prediction accuracy for diseases like cleft lip and palate.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2018