Biomarkers in human sperm have been identified that can indicate a propensity to father children with autism spectrum disorder. These biomarkers are epigenetic, meaning they involve changes to molecular factors that regulate genome activity such as gene expression independent of DNA sequence, and can be passed down to future generations.
“We can now potentially use this to assess whether a man is going to pass autism on to his children. It is also a major step toward identifying what factors might promote autism,” said Michael Skinner, Professor of Biological Sciences, Washington State University and Corresponding Author.
“We found out years ago that environmental factors can alter the germline, the sperm or the egg, epigenetics,” said Skinner. “With this tool we could do larger population-based studies to see what kinds of environmental factors may induce these types with epigenetic changes.”
Find out more
News Medical
WSU Insider
New Atlas
IFL Science
US News
MSN
Mel Magazine
Daily Mail
News Medical & Life Sciences
WSU Insider
Nutra Ingredients