Autism Gene Discovered

Scientists working for the Autism Genome project have recently discovered a gene named Neurexin 1 that could code for autism after studying 1,500 families, an effort that took 120 scientists from 50 institutions over 5 years. The gene analysis was done using DNA microchip arrays and has fingered the neurexin 1 gene which lies in the 11th chromosome. Despite the good news professor John Burns cautioned: "There will almost certainly be an interaction between several genes so this one discovery doesn't provide a complete answer and may not lead straight to a genetic test but it could be a key step in development for effective treatments as it provides a target for drug development." It is hoped that the new find will help point a direction for future treatment possibilities.