Genetic Flaw Linked to Schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered a genetic flaw in a family suffering with schizophrenia that may help to explain the disordered biochemical process seen at the onset of the disease. The discovery was reported in the May 2003 issue of the Journal of Medical Genetics.

Researchers at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada; www.ualberta.ca) found that both a mother and daughter had the same "break” in a large gene on chromosome 14, due to a rearranged chromosome. This gene is a member of a family of genes affecting brain development and function. These genes are involved in behavior, memory, and regulating day/night cycles. People with schizophrenia may suffer from delusions, disordered thinking, hallucinations, and a lack of motivation and energy.

"The fact that these genes, important in brain development and behavior, are broken means that they cut off important functions of the corresponding protein, particularly the ability to bind to DNA. Binding to DNA is an important way proteins can control the expression of other genes,” explained Professor Diane Cox, chair of the medical genetics department at the University of Alberta. "Our work isn't the whole story, but it helps us put in place a key piece of the puzzle that we can further explore.”




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