Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
09:03
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
46.6K
Association Study Between Metallothionein-3 Protein Polymorphisms and Autism
MingXia Yu1, Tao Cao2, Dan Yu1
1Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, East Lake Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
Neurotoxicity Research
|March 11, 2018
Summary
Genetic variations in the Metallothionein III (MT3) gene were investigated as a potential risk factor for autism. This study found no association between MT3 gene polymorphisms and autism risk in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- High mercury body burden is a suspected autism risk factor.
- Metallothionein III (MT3) is a brain-specific protein crucial for metal metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential genetic variations in the MT3 gene associated with autism predisposition.
- To determine if MT3 gene polymorphisms correlate with autism risk.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MT3 gene from 132 autistic children and 132 controls.
- Assessed MT3 mRNA levels in white blood cells using real-time PCR.
- Identified four novel MT3 SNPs not previously recorded in the human SNP database.
Main Results:
- No association was found between the studied MT3 polymorphisms and MT3 mRNA levels.
- No significant association was detected between MT3 gene polymorphisms and the risk of autism.
- Four previously undocumented MT3 SNPs were discovered.
Conclusions:
- MT3 gene polymorphisms do not appear to be associated with autism risk.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of the novel MT3 SNPs identified.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
15.8K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
15.8K
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
1.3K
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.3K
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
18.6K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
18.6K
01:27Associative Learning
1.5K
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
1.5K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.5K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.5K
01:21Factors Affecting Dissolution: Polymorphism, Amorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
752
Polymorphism refers to the existence of a drug substance in multiple crystalline forms, known as polymorphs. Recently, this term has been expanded to include solvates (forms containing a solvent), amorphous forms (non-crystalline forms), and desolvated solvates (forms from which the solvent has been removed).
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...
752