PAK7 and DISC1

       
      Researchers at Trinity’s School of Medicine have found a risk gene mutation that increases the risk of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia by tenfold. The gene is known as Protein Activated Kinase 7 (PAK7) and is found to promote growth of a certain brain pathway that is known to inhibit another risk gene known as DISC1. When both of these genes are present, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia chances skyrocket. Trinity’s School of Medicine experimented with thousands of subjects who were diagnosed with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and those without; the control group. Through testing it was found that any subjects who had both genes were always diagnosed with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Further testing is planned in hopes of better understanding the genetic makeup and warning signs of mental disorders.
       It is exciting that an area of treatment like this that has not seen much action is finally having a bit of a breakthrough. Although bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are rare, I believe they are devastating to the victims of the diseases and a threat to people around the victims such as friends and family members.
Read about the difference between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder here.