Evidence for allelic association on chromosome 3q25-27 in families with autism spectrum disorders originating from a subisolate of Finland

Recent molecular studies on autism and related disorders have supported a multilocus etiology for the disease spectrum. To maximize genetic and cultural homogeneity, we have focused our molecular studies to families originating from a subisolate of Central Finland. Genealogical studies enabled the identification of a megapedigree comprising of 12 core families with autism and Asperger syndrome (AS). We analyzed two chromosomal regions on 1q and 3q showing highest lod scores in our genome-wide scan, as well as the AUTS1 locus on chromosome 7q. For markers on 3q25-27, more significant association was observed in families from subisolate compared to families from the rest of Finland. In contrast, no clear evidence for association on AUTS1 locus was obtained. The wide interval showing association, in particular, on chromosome 3q suggests a locus for autism spectrum of disorders on this chromosomal region.