The influence of genetic variation on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the full range of ethanol (EtOH) induced birth defects. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, largely because of the extreme variability associated with FASD. Undoubtedly differences in the timing and magnitude of ethanol exposure contribute to this variability but there is now strong evidence from human and animal studies that the genetic makeup of the foetus also plays an important role. Despite this, our understanding of the genetic predisposition to FASD is still in its infancy