Navigation Links
Kids with autism may have gene that causes muscle weakness
Date:4/13/2008

CHICAGO Some kids with autism may have a genetic defect that affects the muscles, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 1219, 2008.

The study looked at 37 children with autism spectrum disorders who were evaluated for mitochondrial disease, which causes muscle weakness and prevents a child from being able to participate in physical activities and sports. Mitochondrial disease occurs when genetic mutations affect the mitochondria, or the part of the cell that releases energy.

A total of 24 of the children, or 65 percent, had defects in the process by which cells produce and synthesize energy in the muscles, or oxidative phosphorylation defects in the skeletal muscles.

Most children with autism spectrum disorders do not have recognizable abnormalities when you look at genetic tests, imaging, and metabolic tests, said study author John Shoffner, MD, owner of Medical Neurogenetics, LLC in Atlanta, GA, and member of the American Academy of Neurology. But a subset of these children does have significant defects in this area. Identifying this defect is important for understanding how genes that produce autism spectrum disorders impact the function of the mitochondria.


'/>"/>

Contact: Rachel Seroka
rseroka@aan.com
651-695-2738
American Academy of Neurology
Source:Eurekalert

1

GOOD

Page: 1

Related biology news :

1. Children with autism dont adapt as readily to unfamiliar faces
2. Rutgers Genetics receives $7.8 million for autism research
3. Simons Foundation awards Emory scientists $3M for autism gene research
4. Largest study to investigate risk factors of autism to begin enrolling families
5. New studies on schizophrenia, depression, trauma and autism highlight annual meeting
6. Study finds first-ever genetic animal model of autism
7. New studies suggest brain overgrowth in 1-year-olds linked to development of autism
8. Recurrent genetic deletion linked to autism
9. Researchers move 2 steps closer to understanding genetic underpinnings of autism
10. Autism Speaks collaborates on grant with the Allen Institute for Brain Science and autism expert
11. Hidden interactions between predators and prey: evolution causes cryptic dynamics in ecology
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):Canna can: Ornamental eliminates pollutants from stormwater runoff 2New engineering institute to modify, develop technology for the global poor 2New engineering institute to modify, develop technology for the global poor 3Berkeley Lab researchers participate in Homeland Security study of subway airflow 2Veracord Delivers FDA Expertise with SyberWorks Latest Learning Management Solution 53573 1Veracord Delivers FDA Expertise with SyberWorks Latest Learning Management Solution 53573 2Veracord Delivers FDA Expertise with SyberWorks Latest Learning Management Solution 53573 3Veracord Delivers FDA Expertise with SyberWorks Latest Learning Management Solution 53573 4Restoring a natural root signal helps to fight a major corn pest 9462 1Restoring a natural root signal helps to fight a major corn pest 9462 2Restoring a natural root signal helps to fight a major corn pest 9462 3Consumer Reports Survey 3A HMOs Beat PPOs on Cost Customer Support and Billing Services 53567 1Consumer Reports Survey 3A HMOs Beat PPOs on Cost Customer Support and Billing Services 53567 2Consumer Reports Survey 3A HMOs Beat PPOs on Cost Customer Support and Billing Services 53567 3Consumer Reports Survey 3A HMOs Beat PPOs on Cost Customer Support and Billing Services 53567 4Consumer Reports Survey 3A HMOs Beat PPOs on Cost Customer Support and Billing Services 53567 5
Breaking Biology Technology:Lotus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Appoints OTC Division Head 2Lotus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Appoints OTC Division Head 3YM BIOSCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NRC-BRI) PRODUCE NEW BREAST CANCER DRUG CANDIDATES 2YM BIOSCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NRC-BRI) PRODUCE NEW BREAST CANCER DRUG CANDIDATES 3YM BIOSCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NRC-BRI) PRODUCE NEW BREAST CANCER DRUG CANDIDATES 4YM BIOSCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NRC-BRI) PRODUCE NEW BREAST CANCER DRUG CANDIDATES 5Life Line Screening Joins the Vascular Disease Foundation as Corporate Partner 2Life Line Screening Joins the Vascular Disease Foundation as Corporate Partner 3Neurocrine Announces Top-Line Results From 703 Study (Tulip PETAL Study) of Elagolix for Treatment of Endometriosis Pain 2Neurocrine Announces Top-Line Results From 703 Study (Tulip PETAL Study) of Elagolix for Treatment of Endometriosis Pain 3Neurocrine Announces Top-Line Results From 703 Study (Tulip PETAL Study) of Elagolix for Treatment of Endometriosis Pain 4Neurocrine Announces Top-Line Results From 703 Study (Tulip PETAL Study) of Elagolix for Treatment of Endometriosis Pain 5Neurocrine Announces Top-Line Results From 703 Study (Tulip PETAL Study) of Elagolix for Treatment of Endometriosis Pain 6