Polymorphisms of genes controlling homocysteine/folate metabolism and cognitive function

Elevated concentrations of the amino acid homocysteine and/or folate defici ency have been reported to affect neural development/function in both human patients and animal models. We have investigated the distribution of funct ional polymorphisms in genes involved in homocysteine/folate metabolism in children with high IQ and in children with average IQ. No differences in th e frequencies of genetic variants in the methionine synthase or methylenete trahydrofolate reductase genes were found. However, the cystathionine beta- synthase (CBS) 844ins68 allele was significantly underrepresented in childr en with high IQ. The mechanism by which a functional genetic variant in the CBS gene may influence cognitive function remains to be determined. NeuroR eport 11:1133-1136 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.