DNA changes in sperm may help explain autism

ConclusionThis study found that epigenetic changes to a father's DNA seem to be linked to an increased chance of his child developing ASD in families where there is already one child with the condition.ASD tends to run in families, and some studies have identified genes that may increase the chances of developing the condition. However, there is no clear genetic explanation in most cases of ASD. Research like this helps scientists to investigate other ways that the condition could be handed down. The study raises a lot of questions. It can't tell us what causes the epigenetic changes to the DNA, or how they affect the way DNA works. Also, when the researchers looked at epigenetic changes to DNA in people's brains, they didn't find changes in many of the regions identified in the sperm analysis. This was a fairly small study, relying on only 44 sperm samples. The researchers themselves say the results need to be confirmed in larger studies. We also can't say whether these results would apply to the general population. They may only be valid for families where one child already has the condition.  Learning more about the genetics of ASD will hopefully lead to new treatments. This study may offer up one more piece of a very complicated, yet-to-be-solved, puzzle. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines DNA changes could explain why autism runs in families, according to study. The...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Genetics/stem cells Neurology Source Type: news