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Which other developmental conditions have been linked to changes near chromosome 15?
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autism
American artist Chris Murray, who has autism, at work.
Research into the genetic underpinnings of autism has identified that a specific region on chromosome 15 is sometimes deleted or duplicated in affected individuals. Variations in and near this same chromosomal region have been linked to several other neurodevelopmental and health conditions, including:1
- Angelman syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, speech impairment, ataxia, and a frequently happy, excitable demeanor.12
- Prader-Willi syndrome: A condition involving weak muscle tone, intellectual disabilities, and a chronic feeling of hunger that often leads to severe obesity.31
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.1