Number of autism-linked genes more than triples in new analyses
In addition to a new preprint that expands the list of genes tied to the condition, two related analyses reveal how variants in those genes contribute to genetic susceptibility.
A new study has identified 253 genes linked to autism, more than tripling the previous count. The research, conducted by the Autism Sequencing Consortium and other major cohorts, analyzed exome sequences from 62,429 autistic individuals. These genes can be grouped into six clusters based on their overlap with other neurological conditions, with genes associated with autism and broader neurodevelopmental conditions showing stronger expression in immature neurons.
A small subset of these variants has a large effect on a person's genetic susceptibility to autism. The findings highlight the role of different biological processes, such as genomic regulation, neuronal development, and synaptic function, in autism.
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