Autism May Be Linked to Gene

Researchers may have discovered why autism affects “boys four times more often than girls.” A new gene variant called CACNA1G, which is located on chromosome 17, was found overwhelmingly on boys with autism. The study looked at families that had at least two sons affected by the disease.

CACNA1G is a key factor in how calcium moves between cells and is “present in about 40 percent of the population.” Naturally, more research is needed to determine exactly how this gene affects or perhaps causes autism, but the news is a positive development in the search for a cure.

Image: sxc.hu.