The genetic mystery that links a disorder called Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) among men and their autistic male grandchildren may soon be unravelled, visiting specialists told Gulf News.

Those with FXTAS have a neurological disorder with symptoms akin to Alzheimer's or Parkinsons. News of the breakthrough research became public globally only yesterday.

Gulf News won access to details about the study - which could have a major bearing on understanding the reasons behind autism - after the husband-wife team of researchers visited the UAE earlier this week to explore ways to study and improve diagnosis and treatment for autism, Fragile X Syndrome and FXTAS in the UAE and the Middle East.

With autism being increasingly recognised as a disorder afflicting a sizeable percentage of the resident population, the UAE has over the past two years seen autism centres coming up in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere. Results of the study are expected to foster closer cooperation between such centres throughout the region.

Dr Paul Hagerman, molecular biologist and professor of biochemistry at the University of California (Davis), and his wife, Dr Randi J. Hagerman, from the MIND Institute in the same university, made a breakthrough research that may lead to a better understanding of neurological and movement disorders in males above 50 who are carriers of Fragile X.

"This finding is a two-edged sword," said Dr Randi Hagerman.

The Hagermans' visit came upon the invitation of Dr Khalid Amiri, professor of genomics at UAE University in Al Ain, who was once a student of Dr Hagerman in the US.

She said Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutation in the FMR1 gene that shuts it down completely and the protein it manufactures. This protein is required for brain development.

The complete shutdown results in mental retardation and some kinds of autism. A carrier of Fragile X gene is defined as someone who has a permutated form of the gene, she said.

All mammals have the Fragile X gene, which produces an important protein for brain development. While a normal DNA shows between five to 45 repetitions of the genetic sequence, carriers exhibit up to 200 such repetitions, she added. Further, some individuals who have greater than 200 repetitions, could exhibit the disorder.

The Hagermans investigated more than 100 adult males aged over 50 from different ethnic backgrounds with varying movement disorders.

The study's subjects belong to the Fragile X Parents Association of California and are maternal grandfathers of children with Fragile X Syndrome.

"Some of these adult males were misdiagnosed as suffering from other neurological diseases and movement disorders such as Alzheimer's, dementia, tremors and Parkinson's when they were actually showing symptoms of FXTAS," said Dr Paul Hagerman.

The study further shows that families that have a permutated form of Fragile X genes in the first generation are likely to have a mutated manifestation of the same gene in the third-generation.