Query: Is the ATM gene hereditary?
Yes, the ATM gene is hereditary. The ATM gene is short for Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated gene, and is located on chromosome 11q22-23. This gene is responsible for producing a protein that helps to repair DNA damage in cells. Mutations of the ATM gene can lead to a wide variety of conditions, most commonly Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), a rare, progressive, genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.
The inheritance of an ATM gene mutation is autosomal recessive, which means that both parents must carry an ATM gene mutation in order for a child to inherit the condition. If both parents are found to be carriers of an ATM gene mutation, the child has a 25% chance of inheriting the condition. If one parent is a carrier, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.
AT is caused by a mutation in the ATM gene, which is passed down through families. For this reason, it is important for people with a family history of AT to be tested for the mutation. Testing for ATM gene mutations is done through a blood test. If the mutation is found, genetic counseling is recommended to determine the risk of passing the mutation on to future children.
In conclusion, the ATM gene is hereditary and is passed down through families. If both parents are carriers of the mutation, there is a 25% chance of their child inheriting the mutation. Testing for ATM gene mutations is possible through a blood test, which can then be used to determine the risk of passing the mutation on to future children.