http://medicalxpress.com/ en-us Medical Xpress internet news portal provides the latest news on Health and Medicine. Massachusetts General Hospital investigators appear to have found the mechanism behind a previously reported link between the rare genetic condition Gaucher disease and the common neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease. In a report to appear in the July 8 issue of Cell and receiving early online release, they describe how disruption of the molecular pathway that causes Gaucher disease leads to the toxic neuronal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn) found in Parkinson's and related disorders. In addition, rising α-syn levels further inhibit the Gaucher's-associated pathway, leading to even more α-syn deposition, a finding that indicates therapies targeting this pathway may be a new option for patients with Parkinson's disease. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-06-rare-genetic-disorder-unique-insight.html Genetics Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:14:03 EST news228053599 (Medical Xpress) -- Using high-throughput gene sequencing technology, researchers have identified several harmful spontaneous gene mutations in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) that may cause the disorder. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-05-link-spontaneous-gene-mutations-autism.html Genetics Mon, 16 May 2011 08:33:28 EST news224753585 A new study involving Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has found a gene connected with a type of intellectual disability called Joubert syndrome. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-05-gene-intellectual-disability.html Genetics Thu, 12 May 2011 12:40:01 EST news224422238 (Medical Xpress) -- Researchers at King's College London Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) have identified a new gene which may have a critical role in the molecular pathways contributing to alcohol drinking and the development of alcohol dependence in women. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-04-gene-potential-role-female-alcohol.html Genetics Fri, 22 Apr 2011 06:12:32 EST news222671539