Over the last 40 years incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have increased tenfold. Until recently, the cause of autism was a complete mystery. Now a major discovery at UCLA has just brought researchers one step closer to unlocking the mystery of ASD.
The UCLA study found distinctive changes in the levels of tiny regulator molecules known as microRNAs in the brains of people with ASD. These microRNAs control the activities of large gene networks. This finding helps explain why so many genes are abnormal in autism disorders. It could also lead to targeted treatments or preventative measures someday.
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