May one question is how broad these findings can be applied or is it just this "one" population that it is relevant to: "The deactivation or disruption of this protein is responsible for Fragile X syndrome, a disorder associated with autism and learning difficulties, primarily in men."
Despite advances in genetic research, the development of schizophrenia remains a puzzle.
New research has discovered a common biological pathway between schizophrenia and Fragile X syndrome, a disorder associated with autism and learning difficulties.
This is one of the few times researchers have uncovered genetic evidence for the underlying causes of schizophrenia. Many associations between schizophrenia and genetic risk factors have been reported, but only a very few can be considered schizophrenia susceptibility genes.
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The new study uncovers an important biological pathway that appears to underlie schizophrenia and could contribute to the cognitive impairment that is an important component of this disorder.
“This is a tremendous discovery for our team; not only have we uncovered vital information about the biology behind schizophrenia, but we have also linked this same biological process to a disorder associated with learning difficulties,” said molecular geneticist Dr. Aarno Palotie, lead author.
“Our findings offer great hope for future studies into the genetic basis of schizophrenia and other brain disorders, potentially finding new drug targets against them.”
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“These two disorders, schizophrenia and Fragile X syndrome, although they may seem drastically different, share key features, particularly the cognitive impairment that is frequently associated with both conditions,” said co-author Dr, Nelson Freimer, director of the Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics and professor of psychiatry at UCLA. “So, it is not unexpected that they could share some of the same biological processes.
“What is fantastic about this study,” he said, ”is that through investigations in an isolated corner of Finland we are contributing to concerted international efforts that are beginning to unravel the genetic root of schizophrenia, a debilitating disorder that affects so many people throughout the world.”
Genetic Pathway Appears to Link Schizophrenia to Fragile X Syndrome | Psych Central News
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