BackgroundMedicine is rapidly becoming molecular medicine, and little escapes the grasp of modern genetics. Most disorders associated with learning disability have at least a genetic component influencing their expression; in many disorders, disturbances of genetic mechanisms play a pivotal role.AimsDynamic mutations, imprinting mechanisms and gene-dosage effects are explained with reference to genetic disorders that lead to learning disability.MethodA review of recent important studies in the genetics of learning disability.ResultsA host of new genetic connections to conditions associated with learning disability have been made.ConclusionsA basic understanding of these genetic connections is important for all learning disability psychiatrists if they are to follow the rapid changes – already beginning to influence our practice – that hold immense promise for the future.
Gene dosage effects of polyA track engineered hypomorphs
