Cilia are used by cells to communicate and that they are involved in the development of the body's organs. DCDC2 is a gene associated with dyslexia in humans, it is involved in regulating the signalling of cilia in brain neurons scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered.
Research in mice showed that DCDC2 is involved in cell migration (when the nerve cells move to the right position in the brain during development as an embryo), the length of cilia and activating signalling systems.
In roundworm (caenorhabditis elegans), the human DCDC2 gene caused unusual neural problems but only to ciliated cells.
The exact connection between the cilia, the nerve problems and dyslexia are yet to be researched.
Cilia problems can be associated with polycystic kidney disease and Kartagener's syndrome, to diabetes, obesity and schizophrenia.
Summary from: http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/06/20/unexpected.function.dyslexia.gene
This could lead to developments in dyslexia treatments, however, potential treatment/research could be controversial as it may involve gene therapy and interventions with embryos.
