Lack of association of HOXA1 and HOXB1 mutations and autism in Sicilian (Italian) patients

Abstract

In a recent association study carried out in US patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Ingram et al (2000) reported detection of linkage between ASD and a mutation of HOXA1, a homeotic gene playing a role in early brain formation. In contrast, in an attempt to replicate these findings, the authors found a negative association between polymorphisms of the HOXA1 and HOXB1 genes and autism in 85 Sicilian (Italian) families.