Autism: A Genetic Perspective

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jay Gargus, Professor of Physiology, Biophysics and Pediatrics and Director of the Center for Autism Research and Translation at UC Irvine. This wide-ranging conversation examines the recent explosion in our genetic understanding and its implications for the future of medicine, together with the importance of understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to successfully treat a wide range of genetic disorders. Jay Gargus focuses on autism, dispelling myths associated with the condition, advocating why a treatment should be actively pursued, and illustrating what we can learn from the recent breakthrough in cystic fibrosis research.


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Machine Repair, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

I. The Lure of Genetics - Where the action was—and still is
II. Genetics 101 - A basic overview
III. Towards Disease - Intervening in metabolic pathways
IV. Autism - Myths, current understanding and challenges
V. Pathways and Pleiotropy - Searching for mechanisms
VI. Reasons for Optimism - Streamlined bureaucracy and bold prognostications



About Ideas Roadshow Conversations:


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.