Learning disability genes found

A group of genes that cause learning disabilities in boys has been discovered in a survey of
families known to have a history of mental impairment.
Scientists linked nine genes to poor brain development in young men after analysing the
genetic makeup of more than 200 families. The findings could help in the development of
screening programmes for couples that are at risk of passing on faulty genes to their
children.
All of the abnormal genes found in the study were on the X chromosome, which boys
always inherit from their mothers. Girls inherit two copies of the X chromosome, one from
each parent.
Poor brain development causes learning disabilities in 2% to 3% of the population, but the
problem is more prevalent in males. In women, a faulty gene on one X chromosome is
counteracted by a healthy copy. The research, led by scientists at the Wellcome Trust
Sanger Institute, Cambridge, adds to 70 other genes on the X chromosome that have
already been linked to abnormal brain development in boys.
The team recruited 208 families for the study. The families were chosen because they had
at least two related males who were affected by learning disorders.
In the majority of cases, the men who took part in the study showed no other signs of
developmental problems apart from their learning disability, according to a report in
Nature Genetics.
Men who carry the faulty genes can only pass them on through their X chromosome to
their daughters. These girls are unlikely to be affected themselves, but will be carriers and
so at risk of passing them on to their own children.
"Although there is no obvious cure for these conditions, knowing more about the genes
involved will lead to better screening and much more informed counselling," said Patrick
Tarpey, a geneticist and lead author on the study.
Source:
Ian Sample, The Guardian NewsPaper, Sunday 19 April 2009, Link:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2009/apr/20/learning-disability-gene-study
My Opinion:
This discovery helps to the many of people for they do not affect to their children, also it
allows us know more about our boby and a step for the development of humanity because
we could improve our offspring and we have people with less problems like this, I hope
that do more research in the human genetic with the purpose of solve the many problems
tan we have in our body.
By Bruno Loyaga Cortez