Series of DNA variants linked to dyslexia identified

Dyslexia is known to run in families - partly because of genetic factors - but, until now, little was known about the specific genes that relate to the risk of it developing. Scientists have for the first time pinpointed a large number of genes that are reliably associated with dyslexia. Around a third of the 42 genetic variants identified have been previously linked to general cognitive ability and educational attainment.

The researchers say their findings, published in Nature Genetics journal, aid our understanding of the biology behind why some children struggle to read or spell. This latest study involved more than 50,000 adults who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and more than one million adults who have not.

Researchers tested the association between millions of genetic variants with dyslexia status and found 42 significant variants. Some of these are associated with other neurodevelopment conditions, such as language delay, and with thinking skills and academic achievement. Many, however, are novel and could represent genes that more specifically associate with processes essential for learning to read.

Many of the genes associated with dyslexia are also associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A much smaller overlap of the genes associated with dyslexia was found for psychiatric, lifestyle and health conditions.

Several of the associated genetic variants were also significant in a Chinese speaking sample suggesting that there are general cognitive processes in learning to read that are not dependent on the type of language.

Researchers say they were able to predict how well children and adults from four other research studies can read and spell using the genetic information from the study, but not with the accuracy needed for diagnostic use.

Reference:

Michelle Luciano et al,JOURNAL

Nature Genetics