between gene and dyslexia
Pediatric researchers at the School of Medicine have identified a gene on human chromosome 6 called DCDC2, which is linked to dyslexia, a reading disability affecting millions of children and adults.
The researchers also found that a genetic alteration in DCDC2 leads to a disruption in the formation of brain circuits that make it possible to read. This genetic alteration is transmitted within families.
"These promising results now have the potential to lead to improved diagnostic methods to identify dyslexia and deepens understanding of how the reading process works on a molecular level," says lead author Dr. Jeffrey R. Gruen, associate professor in pediatrics.
The study was published in a special issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Oct. 28. Gruen and first author Haiying Meng also presented the findings that same day at the American Society of Human Genetics meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gruen and co-authors used a statistical approach to study and compare specific DNA markers in 153 dyslexic families.
"We now have strong statistical evidence that a large number of dyslexic cases -- perhaps as many as 20% -- are due to the DCDC2 gene," says Gruen. "The genetic alteration on this chromosome is a large deletion of a regulatory region. The gene itself is expressed in reading centers of the brain where it modulates migration of neurons. This very architecture of the brain circuitry is necessary for normal reading."
To facilitate reading, brain circuits need to communicate with each other. In reading disabilities, these circuits are disrupted. In people with dyslexia, compensatory brain circuits are inefficient, and they have a hard time learning to read.
Locating this gene provided researchers with part of the reason why dyslexia occurs, Gruen says, adding that the discovery of the gene and its function will lead to early and more accurate diagnoses and more effective educational programs to address the unique needs and special talents of people with dyslexia.
"We can't continue the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all schooling anymore," says Gruen. "People with dyslexia are not less intelligent than others, they just learn in different ways. Tailoring programs to fit the needs of these children will enhance their success in school and be more cost effective."
Other authors on the study were Shelley D. Smith, Karl Hager, Matthew Held, Jonathan Liu, Richard K. Olson, Bruce F. Pennington, John C. DeFries, Joel Gelernter, Thomas O'Reilly-Pol, Stefan Somlo, Pawel Skudlarski, Sally E. Shaywitz, Bennett A. Shaywitz, Karen Marchione, Yu Wang, Murugan Parmasivam, Joseph J. LoTurco and Grier P. Page.
-- By Karen Peart
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
School of Music receives gift of $100 million
Class of 1954 Chemistry Building officially opened
IOM elects six from Yale
Yale will mark Veterans Day with salute to alumnus, flag rededication
University dedicates new Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity
World Fellow Ibrahim honored for her human rights work in Nigeria
Today's press fails to get 'to the bottom of things,' journalist says
Activist calls for cohesive global response to international migration
Yale's matching gift to United Way supports school readiness
Wife's illness inspires pathologist to investigate Alzheimer's
Yale employee lends skills to help animals after the hurricane
Doctor's career spent researching body's 'master chemical director'
MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Researchers find strong link between gene and dyslexia
Study casts light on nature and spread of lethal brain diseaes
Innovative therapy curbs effects of loss of oxygen during birth
Study finds true reason that lymph nodes swell
Helping breast cancer patients find best online information . . .
Merson speaks at launch of Russia's first M.P.H. program
New Yorker humorist to give public reading
Veterans Day concert will feature School of Music alumni
Alumni innovators to discuss 'Entrepreneurship and the Law'
Vignery to conduct pharmaceutical research as Yale-Pfizer Visiting Fellow
Cell biologist Ira Mellman elected to prestigious EMBO
Richard Lalli to perform at benefit gala for the Neighborhood Music School
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home