NEW genetic analysis suggests dyslexia reflects vulnerability across broad brain networks rather than a single faulty gene, reshaping understanding of a condition affecting up to 20% of the global population.

To investigate the genetic basis of dyslexia, researchers systematically reviewed literature published over the past four decades and identified 175 candidate genes linked to reading difficulties. Using bioinformatic tools, the team examined evolutionary conservation, developmental gene expression, and functional networks. The analysis revealed that many dyslexia associated genes are highly conserved across species, indicating deep evolutionary roots. Importantly, developmental transcriptome data identified two distinct gene clusters separated by timing. One group is active early in fetal development and contributes to brain structure and wiring. The second group becomes active around 24 postconception weeks and supports synaptic signalling between neurons. Single cell analyses further showed cell type specific expression and protein interaction networks, suggesting coordinated biological pathways rather than isolated gene effects. These findings challenge the concept of reading specific genes and instead highlight dyslexia as a systems level condition.

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