Researchers Find a Gene That Can Cause Mental Illness By Itself
Benjamin Pruss
BIOL-2110-001 GENETICS
Professor Guy F. Barbato
December, 2025
In October, a group of researchers from the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Leipzig Medical Center found that mutations in a certain gene could lead to mental illness. This is unusual because mental illness is usually caused by several genes acting together. "Our current findings indicate that GRIN2A is the first known gene that, on its own, can cause a mental illness. This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date," said the lead author of the study. This gene, called GRIN2A, can cause several mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.
The GRIN2A gene influences the electrical signaling of nerve cells, helping to regulate their activity. Some mutations can reduce how well brain cells can communicate by affecting the NMDA receptor, which can lead to neurological disorders.
In the study, the researchers analyzed 121 subjects with mutations to their GRIN2A gene. They found that some individuals displayed only psychiatric symptoms, while in others, the mental illnesses appeared before adulthood, both of which are unusual. They found that taking supplements of L-serine, an activator of the NMDA receptor, could improve symptoms.
This is an interesting assessment and could potentially be groundbreaking for helping slow the progression of mental health issues. We see so many nowadays, I wonder if we could use this technology as a preventative measure as well for people who endure trauma.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting study because it is a rising problem in the current world. It is interesting to see a single gene, GRIN2A, can directly cause mental illness since most psychiatric disorders are known to be polygenic.
ReplyDeleteFascinating that the GRIN2A gene alone can cause mental illness! It’s exciting that supplements like L-serine might help improve symptoms, offering new possibilities for treatment.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing break thru that scientist figured out that manipulating one gene alone can cause schizophrenia. This will probably lay the ground work to figuring out how to slowdown and potentially reverse some of these serious issues that arise from unintentional gene manipulation.
ReplyDeleteThis is a surprising and important finding. Discovering that GRIN2A can cause mental illness challenges. It’s also encouraging that L-serine showed some improvement, suggesting real potential for targeted treatments.
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