Laura Morcom 42062455
A learning disability is a common neurological disorder, which was viewed as inheritable. A learning disorder is a differentiation in basic psychological processes involved with language and communication. There are several forms of the disorder including dyslexia (reading), Dyscalculia (mathematical), Dysgraphia (writing), Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders (difficulty understanding stimulus) and nonverbal Learning Disorders (visual-spatial, intuitive and organizational functions). Until recently, scientists have hypothesised that it was unlikely that specific disorders were inherited directly, rather a collection of genes that cause subtle brain dysfunction. Alternatively, some researches believed that it was a result of dysfunctional brain development or purely environmental impacts.
Collaborative research from over 70 researches have specified 9 genes, located on the X chromosome, that when removed, lead to learning disabilities. 720 of the 800 genes located on the X chromosome were sequenced, making the study the largest sequencing study of a complex disease ever reported. Disorders of the X chromosome are frequently studied in depth due to the apparent effect in males. These disorders are more prevalent in males as they possess only one X chromosome, and so males are easily affected by mutations in these genes. The study also showed that 1% of the X protein-coding genes could be removed and no apparent effect noted in normal human function. The study allows researchers to get one step closer to identifying a direct cause of Learning disorders and potentially curing them. It also carries a stern warning: care must be taken in identifying which specific genes cause disease as so many genes are being shown to be insignificant.
Original Article
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146650.php
Related Links:
LD Online - http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics/whatisld
Image X Chromosome (from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146650.php
