Tourette Syndrome : Breakthrough Research Identifies Potential Genetic Markers

Highlights:

Tourette syndrome has for long been known to have a genetic basis
Copy number variations in NRXN1 and CNTN6 were found to be significantly associated with Tourette syndrome
These variations were found to increase the likelihood of developing Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is characterized by repetitive movements and the production of unwanted sound. The condition has no cure till date, but the symptoms can be managed with treatment. Individuals with this disorder were offered hope recently, when a research team that carried out a large study on Tourette syndrome identified genetic abnormalities, which are the first genes that are shown to have significant association with the condition.

The condition has always been believed to have a genetic basis, but no specific gene was identified as having a significant association, until scientists from Purdue University utilized a gene sequencing technique that focused on a larger area of the genome. One of the main scientists associated with the study, Dr. Peristera Paschou, said that this approach was more efficient than focusing on a single gene.

Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder wherein the affected person makes repetitive and stereotyped involuntary movements, or noises, called ‘tics’.

‘The newly identified genes can be used as genetic markers for early identification of the condition.’

Tweet it Now

Copy Number Variation

Dr. Paschou further stated that focusing on a single base pair mutation, which was the main building block of the genome, has now given way to broader approaches. The scientists examined the number of times a specific sequence of genes was repeated in the genome; these sequence variations are called copy number variations. The number of repetition of these sequences can have a direct effect on the health of an individual.

The sequences of DNA that are repeated could involve

Large sections of the DNA sequence
Complete genes

The scientific community has only recently begun to understand the significance of copy number variations and the onset of disease.

Significant Breakthrough as Genes Involved in Tourette Syndrome Identified
Four genes that are involved in the development of Tourette syndrome have been identified by a study, paving the way for better treatment.

The research team from Purdue University scanned through the entire genome to identify the sequence that varied in numbers among patients with Tourette syndrome. This involved a lot of physical analysis and the entire genome had to be scanned.

Significance of the Study

Autism Symptoms Found Among Kids with Tourette Syndrome
The early symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are typically noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of 3 and 9 years.

The number of copy numbers and the association with the disease was highly significant, which is a considerable breakthrough in the research on Tourette syndrome.

The significance of this finding has been highlighted by Dr. Jeremiah Scharf, who is the co-senior author of the study and a professor at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of the Psychiatric & Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit. The professor stated that their study was aimed at establishing that

Tourette syndrome was not a simple single gene disorder
There was a statistically stringent number of genes that were required to develop this condition

The two genes that were identified had a statistical significance associated with the disease, the results of the study were published in the journal Neuron. 57 researchers were involved in the study that spanned 11 countries.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a complex neurological disorder which is characterized by repetition of words or sounds by the affected individual. In a very small percentage of the people, it can lead to the repetition of obscene words.

Non-drug Therapy to Reduce Ticks in Tourette Syndrome
New research has revealed that the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy to treat tics in Tourette syndrome may be as effective as and even superior to medication in certain cases.

The signs and symptoms include:

Clearing of the throat
Blinking of the eyes
Involuntary phonic or tics

The symptoms are mild but they develop as the child grows. Some patients are also found to be associated with

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Extreme depression
Autism

The condition is first identified between the ages 7 to 10, after which it takes a turn for severe. Sometimes the condition is characterized by sudden rage and anti-social behavior. The treatment for this condition is behavior therapy and there is no known cure.

The Genes under Study

2400 individuals with Tourette syndrome were included in the study with 4000 individuals analyzed in the control group.

The results of the study showed that Tourette syndrome was associated with

Deletions in the NRXN1 gene
Duplications in the CNTN6 gene
In the study, one of the genetic variants was present in nearly 1 in 100 people with Tourette syndrome

The genes NRXN1 and CNTN6 are essential during brain development and with the production of molecules that are associated with the connections between the cells. They are also associated with the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuit, which involves the loop of brain cells that connect the brain cortex with the regions of the brain which are involved in processing movement and emotions. Abnormalities in this circuit can lead to Tourette syndrome.

The two genes have been associated with other neurological disorders but this is the first study that has found that copy number variations in these genes could lead to Tourette syndrome.

The current study provides an insight into the biology of the disease and further studies will reveal a better understanding of how this region of the brain develops. The study involved thousands of participants but the scientists associated with the study are planning on conducting an even larger study. This would provide further insoghts into the cause for the condition.

References:

Researchers uncover genetic gains and losses in Tourette syndrome - (https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/researchers-uncover-genetic-gains-losses-tourette-syndrome)
What is Tourette Syndrome? - (http://www.tourette.org.au/about-tsaa/what-is-tourette-syndrome/)

Source-Medindia