Australian scientists find new genes responsible for childhood epilepsies

Using advanced gene technology, Australian scientists along with a US team have claimed to have found new genes and genetic mutation that causes severe childhood epilepsies, reports Times of India.

The study, part of a project involving more than 40 international institutions, used a cutting-edge genetic technique, called exome sequencing, to search for non-inherited mutations linked to epileptic encephalopathies in 264 children whose parents who do not have epilepsy, says Global Times. 

Differences in the sequences of these subject trios were analyzed using a number of statistical tools to identify potential disease causing mutations. Compared with some genetic studies, this research sequenced DNA from relatively few patients. Nonetheless, the researchers were able to find disease-causing mutations in six genes: four had been described before using other genetic techniques and two genes are implicated for the first time, according to News-Medical.net.