Gene variation blamed for reading difficulty

London, October 1: The gene variation already linked to dyslexia is now also being held responsible for causing reading difficulty in people who are otherwise not suffering from the learning disability.

Dyslexia affects at least one in 10 individuals and is a reading and learning disorder, that has no relation whatsoever with intelligence. It only affects the literacy and language related skills of an individual.

According to Silvia Paracchini, lead researcher of the study from the Wellcome Trust Center for Human Genetics in Oxford, the gene variation identified in the research although hampers the reading ability, does not have anything to do with impairing cognitive development of an individual.

The study involved around 6000 children aged between 7-9 years. The results showed that out of those who carried the gene variant, 15% displayed reading and spelling problems. This 15% included those who did not suffer from dyslexia.

"This is the first time this same genetic variant has been shown to be important to dyslexia and to reading ability in general," Paracchini said. "It looks like this gene is involved in determining whether a person is a good reader or a bad reader." she added.

The researchers have also been able to clearly identify the dyslexia gene in many people during the course of the study. Previously the gene identified for the disorder was KIAA0319. This gene affects the thought process of the brain.

According to the lead researcher the results of this survey throw more light on why there are many children and adults who, despite not being dyslexic, have reading disabilities.

The researchers however, do not rule out the need for further study into the matter to better understand the condition.

"There are likely to be many other contributing factors, but our research provides some valuable clues," Paracchini said. "We need to carry out studies into the exact role that this gene plays in brain development and how this affects people's reading ability," She added.

The study has been published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.