BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study involving UAB biostatistician Grier Page, Ph.D. has been selected by Science magazine as one of the top breakthrough studies of 2005. The study, which identifies a gene linked to the development of dyslexia, or reading disability, is one of nine brain disorder studies that collectively rank number five on the magazine’s list of top 10 discoveries for the year.

The studies provide clues about the development of diverse brain disorders including schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome and dyslexia, according to Science. This new understanding may lead to early identification and intervention programs for children at genetic risk for these disorders.

The research team, including Page, was led by Jeffrey Gruen, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at Yale University. Their findings were first reported at a meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics on October 28 in Salt Lake City. Details of the study were later published in the November 22 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“We found extensive evidence of an association between reading disability and a gene known as DCDC2,” Page said. “DCDC2’s expression is localized in the parts of the brain related to reading and language. Our study shows that interference with this gene results in altered migration of neurons involved in the structural formation of the brain.”

This study, along with others cited by Science, suggests genetic miscues that happen in the womb alter the brain in a way that increases an individual’s risk for developing one of these disorders later in life. “This is novel insight into how these disorders arise,” Page said.

More information about these works and a complete list of Science’s top 10 breakthroughs of 2005 is featured in the December 23 issue of the magazine, available online at www.sciencemag.org.