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By Robert Preidt
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) – The number of genes known to be associated with autism is now 102, researchers report.
They also stated that they had made significant progress in distinguishing between genes associated with autism and those associated with intellectual disability and developmental delays, conditions that often overlap with autism.
The analysis of more than 37,000 genetic samples collected worldwide is the largest genetics sequencing study to date, the researchers said.
The findings were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in San Diego.
"With twice as many samples as all previous studies, we were able to dramatically increase the number of genes studied and incorporate recent improvements made to the analytical methodology," said the author of the study. Study, Mark Daly, Head of Unit Genetics Analytical and Translational at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"By gathering data from several existing sources, we hope to create a resource for the definitive future analysis of genes associated with [autism]", he added in a press release from the company.
Of the 102 genes identified by the researchers, 47 were found to be more strongly associated with intellectual disability and developmental delay than autism, while 52 were more strongly associated with autism. Three genes would have been linked to both.
Co-author of the study, Jack Kosmicki holds a PhD. candidate at Harvard University. "Being able to watch other disorders related to [autism] is important and useful to be able to explain the genetics behind the variety of possible outcomes, "said Kosmicki.
Research presented at meetings is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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