Genes reveal biological processes underlying schizophrenia

Scientists found more than 100 genes that make people more susceptible to schizophrenia- 83 of which have never been pinpointed before.

Many of these genes are involved in the relay of chemical messages around the brain.

And others are known to be involved in the immune system – affecting the body’s natural armoury against disease.

Prof Michael O’Donovan of Cardiff University who led the research said: “For many years it has been difficult to develop new lines of treatment for schizophrenia, hampered by a poor understanding of the biology of disease.

“Finding a whole new bunch of genetic associations opens a window for well-informed experiments to unlock the biology of this condition and we hope ultimately new treatments.”

Prof David Curtis of University College London and one of the authors of the research told the BBC: “This study puts psychiatry into the same category as other parts of medicine.

“In the past we have struggled with the view that psychiatric conditions are not ‘real’ illnesses but early genetic studies had limited successes.

“Now we show with confidence that there are biological processes going awry.”

Read the full, original story: Eighty new genes linked to schizophrenia

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