Researchers studied mice with two types of damage to a gene known as DISC1. This gene plays a key role in learning, memory and mood. Depending on the kind of damage to this gene, mice responded more positively to drug treatments used to treat schizophrenia or depression.
Dr. David Porteous of the University of Edinburgh said, "While the causes of schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and major depression are unknown, all evidence points to subtle differences in the way the brain develops and to chemical changes in the brain. Our work identified the DISC1 gene as an important risk factor in these types of mental diseases."Dr. Porteous and others in Great Britain are working with scientists from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada and RIKEN institute in Japan to help pinpoint which patients will respond best to which specific treatments.
Labels: depression, research, schizophrenia
Posted By: Aspen Education Group