Dyslexia gene discovered

[Posted: Thu 03/03/2005 - www.irishhealth.com]

Researchers have discovered a gene that is likely to be one of the causes of dyslexia in children.

Dyslexia means a difficulty with words. It affects reading, spelling, writing, memory and concentration and sometimes maths, music, foreign languages and self-organisation.

The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the Department of Psychological Medicine at Cardiff University. They believe that the finding will provide a better understanding of what causes the condition.

They discovered the gene, called KIAA0319, after carrying out an analysis of 300 families from Wales and England. At least one child in each of these families was dyslexic.

They now plan to continue this work in order to find out more about the gene. This research will focus on discovering how exactly KIAA0319 works within the brain to disrupt reading and writing skills.

"This is a major breakthrough and is the first study to identify one gene which contributes to susceptibility to the common form of dyslexia", said one of the lead researchers, Professor Julie Williams.

However according to Professor Michael O'Donovan, also a lead researcher with this study, 'much more remains to be done before the finding is translated into therapy'.