Molecular Genetics of Human Developmental Brain Disorders of the Arabian Gulf Region

Abstract

Recent work has led to the genetic understanding of an increasingly large number of neurological disorders that affect the nervous system of children, resulting in symptoms such as mental retardation, autistic symptoms, cerebral palsy, or seizures. These conditions are extremely heterogeneous genetically, meaning that large numbers of genes appear to be essential for normal nervous system function, and that mutations in different genes can sometimes cause very similar symptoms. The larger family size, recent population growth, and unique ancestry of populations in the Gulf region provide special opportunities for understanding the causes of childhood neurological isease both here and throughout the world. Here I review some recent developments, and discuss their impact on therapy.