Genetic 'breakthough' offers hope to schizophrenia victims
While this does not mean scientists have found a "gene for schizophrenia", it provides strong evidence of a key genetic link and brings them one step closer to finding a cure. Last night, the mental health charity Sane described the research as exciting, and referred to the possibility of a breakthrough.
The researchers, from the University of Edinburgh, made their discovery after following 163 young people at risk of developing schizophrenia from their late teens for 10 years. Schizophrenia has a strong inherited element, and all the participants in the project - known as the Edinburgh High Risk Study - had two or more relatives who had developed the condition.
The researchers, who report their results in the journal Nature Neuroscience, found that there was a clear link between one particular variation of the neuregulin gene - which is involved in the development of the mind and the wiring of the brain - and the risk of developing psychotic symptoms. People with this genetic variation were almost three times as likely to develop the symptoms of schizophrenia - with 100% going on to develop them, compared with 40% of participants across the study - a result viewed as "highly statistically significant".
While it is known that neuregulin is associated with schizophrenia, the research, funded by the Medical Research Council and led by Eve Johnstone, professor of psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh, is the first to pinpoint the genetic variant responsible. Jeremy Hall, a psychiatry lecturer at the university, and the study's lead author, said: "We think this is a breakthrough." Prof Johnstone praised the "altruism and courage" of the participants - some of whom knew they might be developing the illness.
You’ve read it. Now review it.
Date Published: November 07, 2006
More by this source
|
Print
|
Send to a friend
|
Rate & Comment
|
Keep up to date
If you found this item fun or informative, please let others know. Simply send to a friend or recommend it to even more people - on any of the following sites:
Latest Science News | reddit | digg.com | del.icio.us | rollyo | stumbleupon
More on genetic research...
The day I had my genes tested
Everything about Genetic Health's opulent Harley Street clinic says "money". As I sit nervously thumbing through copies of Harrods magazine in a comfortable armchair, smartly dressed secretaries in high-heels glide past, over the varnished wood floors.
Chemistry, medicine and genetic analysis
In the near future, doctors will be able to carry out a ‘while you wait’ test, using genetic analysis, for chlamydia, the silent disease that can lead to infertility in women. This may be the start of a revolution in point-of-care medicine because detection of specific DNA sequences could, in principle, be applied to the diagnosis of just about any disease.
Post-Graduate Funding
One of the most important considerations students need to make before considering post-graduate education is whether they can get funding or not. Though competition for funding is often fierce there are a number of sources you can apply for.
