These results support previous associations between ROBO1 and RD, as well as correlation with low gene expression, suggesting a possible mechanism of risk conferred by this gene.
Four of the candidate genes (DYX1C1, KIAA0319, DCDC2, and ROBO1) appear to function in neuronal migration and guidance, suggesting the importance of early neurodevelopmental processes in RD.
Thus, our data suggest that a slight disturbance in neuronal axon crossing across the midline between brain hemispheres, dendrite guidance, or another function of ROBO1 may manifest as a specific reading disability in humans.