A new gene for Tourette's syndrome: a window into causal mechanisms?
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairing motor-vocal tics. Locating genetic loci by associating the phenotype with DNA translocations, inversions, gain or losses, State et al. identified SLITRK1 as a candidate gene in an individual with GTS and inv(13) (q31.1; q33.1). This gene was also associated with abnormal axonal-dendritic development in embryonic mouse cells. Although SLITRK1 is not a major causal gene for GTS, it can shed light on our understanding of the gene-based neural correlates of this disease.
Grados
Marco A
MA
Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 364, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. mjgrados@jhmi.edu
Walkup
John T
JT