A group of researchers managed to identify about 10 genes that may contribute to schizophrenia when they are mutated. The group analyze DNA markers from people with the disorder and those without it over several years till a list of potential genes was created. This was the first time a genetic cause was clearly found and helps narrow down research on this disorder. With many other genes having potential affects it seems the research is quite promising as of now.
Since schizophrenia is one of the more common psychological disorders it seems quite useful to try and find a genetic link. Hopes are to try and identify more genes and potentially develop more ways of early diagnosis and treatment. Since the disorder usually develops when a persons frontal cortex is in its last stages of development there could potentially many tests to prevent or pre medicate a person.
Article: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/10/intensive-dna-search-yields-10-genes-tied-directly-schizophrenia
It would be amazing if this research could prevent schizophrenia or identify future patients with it, after all this psychological disorder is scary for everyone involved with it. I have read much about the disorder and would love to read more in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news. Hopefully by using this they are able to help prevent schizophrenia, or even cure it. Identifying these genes may be able to help families who are possibly at risk for having children with schizophrenia as well.
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