Molecular genetics of speech and language disorders.
In 2001, scientists characterized the first gene to be implicated in the cause of a speech and language disorder (FOXP2). Although FOXP2 was discovered using a unique family in which a severe speech and language disorder segregates in a monogenic fashion, at the time this discovery was heralded as "a milestone in understanding this uniquely human characteristic." Approximately 1 year later, we discuss the impact of this gene discovery on the study of language and review the relevance of this gene to both specific language impairment and language aspects of the autistic phenotype. We also discuss recent molecular genetic advances made in the study of generalized specific language impairment.
Newbury
Dianne F
DF
Welcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, oxford, United Kingdom. anthony.monaco@well.ox.ac.uk
Monaco
Anthony P
AP
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics; D002897:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D008967:Molecular Biology; D010375:Pedigree; D013060:Speech; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
C465448:FOXP2 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors