Health Experts warn about limitations of genetic screenings, such as the test sold by a university startup that funded the research.
In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers have discovered 24 new "high impact" gene changes missing or duplicated stretches of DNA linked to autism, and confirmed 31 known markers.
University of Utah scientists who collaborated on the study and have a financial stake in Lineagen Inc., which paid for it say the findings show the companys genetic screen for all these markers is ready for clinical use.
U. of Utahs stake in Lineagens autism test
Announcing its genetic research published in PLOS ONE this week, the University of Utah heralded how the research will be used to validate a commercial test sold by Lineagen, Inc.
The U. has a financial stake in the private, for-profit Lineagen, which was launched in 2002 based on technology discovered at the university.
Bryan Ritchie, executive director of the U.s Technology Commercialization Office, declined to discuss the details of Lineagens licensing of U. research.
But he said in such deals, the U. typically earns 3 to 10 percent of profit in royalties. The school also usually owns an equity stake in companies founded on its research.
But thats a matter of debate in scientific circles, and experts warn against families placing too much stock in the proliferating number of genetic tests for autism. The risk of false negatives is high and positive results may not guide treatment, they say.
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University of Utah scientists find 24 new genetic markers for autism