Mutations in Noncoding DNA Linked to Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Pathogenic de novo mutations in coding DNA have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as developmental brain dysfunction, which can lead to impaired learning and language. In fact, according to one estimate, 42% of patients suffering these disorders carry mutations in genes that encode proteins. But it has been unclear how many patients, including patients with undiagnosed developmental disorders, may carry “nongene” mutations. Consequently, scientists based at the Wel