Re: Why does genetic anticipation occur and do we know how to stop it?

Penny,

Other diseases they have seen a possible pattern of genetic anticipation 
are Crohn's Disease, Bipolar Disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis.   
Researchers are trying to find a link with some of the mentioned diseases 
to specific genes assuming that genetic anticipation occurs.  In some of 
these diseases, the exact cause in not known and there hare hopes that the 
possible characteristics of genetic anticipation may help located genes 
that cause the disease.

However, the causation for trinucleotide repeat expansion is not yet 
known. One researcher has written a review article (Semin Neurol 1999;19
(3):289-99 Expanded repeat sequences and disease.) where they look 
at  "the occurrence and properties of repeats in the genome" as well 
as "the different groups of disorders and possible pathogenic mechanisms."

Most researchers are using the phenotypic data to determine if there is a 
genetic link otherwise not seen previously.

Sincerely,

Mike