Tarjinder Singh (Broad Institute- MIT and Harvard), as well as Benjamin Neale and Mark Daly (both from Mass General), along with more than 100 coauthors (dozens of research institutes) published “Rare coding variants in ten genes confer substantial risk for schizophrenia” in Nature recently.
The article describes how just a few genes augment the likelihood of a subject manifesting schizophrenia. This disorder, which means the subject develops hallucinations, delusions, and leaves one often unable to function properly in society, as well as yield a 15 y decrease in life expectancy, seems to be characterized by just 10 genes- which can make the case of schizophrenia 50 times more likely. Thankfully, less than 1% of the US population is so afflicted.
This new research was made possible by sequencing exomes (the functional part of the human genome). Some 24,000 folks with schizophrenia and 97000 others were included to effect and study this sequencing.
And, while I said it was 10 genes, there are implications that 22 others are vitally important to the manifestation of schizophrenia. These genes are instrumental in the manner that neurons communicate across the synapses of our brains.
The results indicated that dysfunction in the glutamatergic system, a mechanistic hypothesis, occurs in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Not surprising, since glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in our brains. Within the glia and the neurons, there are manifold glutamate receptors.
It also means there is a strong hereditary aspect to this affliction.
Very interesting. Years ago there was a young man in our neighbor diagnosed with schizophrenia, sometimes he seemed “normal” but other times his mom could hardly control him. But one thing about Roger, he was so talented in art and drew the most gorgeous landscape pictures.
Thanks for that share- that is a key point. We can’t blanket our thoughts with stereotypes.
Interesting. I have a cousin who received a late, late onset schizophrenia diagnosis (he was in his mid-to-late 30s).
This brings up the ‘what to do with this info” question.
I will be interested to see where this goes!
You got the key takeaway. So, now we know- and then what? Maybe if we start treatment earlier, the cases will be at best mild and under control? Who knows?
Interesting article. Do you recommend genetic medical testing for everyone?
No, I don’t. I fear employers may get hold of that data and use it against us.
Hopefully genetic science advancements can help with this in the future.
And how to treat/eradicate it, as well.