Discovery of faulty gene offers hope on autism (extract)

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, USA: A single gene that appears to increase the risk of a person developing autism when mutated has been identified by scientists, suggesting new approaches to diagnosing and treating the condition.
       Research in the United States has revealed that many cases of autism may be triggered in a similar fashion to diseases such as cystic fibrosis — in which one gene goes wrong, but in a multitude of different ways.
       The work at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee suggests that it may be possible to develop a blood test that can pinpoint the probable cause, which could have important implications for treatment.
       It is known that some children and adults with autism respond positively to a class of anti-depressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which includes Prozac and Seroxat.
       Dr James Sutcliffe, a research leader, said: "You might be able to predict which kids would respond positively to particular SSRI medications."
       The gene that has been implicated in autism is the serotonin transporter gene, known as SERT. This plays a key role in regulating the brain's levels of serotonin, a signalling chemical involved in mood, impulsive behaviour and sleep.
       Scientists have known for some time that about 25 per cent of people with autism have elevated levels of serotonin in their blood, suggesting a possible link to the disorder.
       In the August 2005 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, Dr Sutcliffe, Dr Randy Blakely and colleagues report that several mutations within the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene, which regulates serotonin levels in the brain, may be risk factors for autism … 

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