| abstract |
The present invention provides novel markers and assays for autism based on the association of GSTP1 with prevalence for having a child or children with autism or autistic disease. The invention relates to the use and application of GSTP1 as a susceptibility marker and teratogenic allele for autism. In particular the genotype of GSTP1 at amino acids 105 and 114, corresponding to nucleotides 313 and 341 are determined. GSTP1 may be combined with other markers in methods and assays for monitoring, managing, diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, and assessment of autism. In addition, the present invention discloses a novel method for identifying individuals who are genetically susceptible to have offspring with autism wherein the genotype of GSTP1, alone or in combination with other genetic markers or other indicators of oxidative stress, is determined. |