Schizophrenia: A Closer Look.
Research has progressed recently on schizophrenias, which is a disease that distorts thinking and causes hallucinations. Schizophrenia is now believed to be caused by a complicated array of rare point mutations, being a deletion or insertion mutation. This is so rare to come across that it can occur only in an individual and their close relatives, which is a strong reason why it only occurs in 1% of the entire human population. They have found that the genes being mutated play a crucial role in brain development, mainly the control of neuronal growth and migration.
Using gene-scanning they have mapped the genome of people with and without schizophrenia. They have found 53 different mutations that were three times more likely to turn up in people with schizophrenia. The problem they are left hanging with is that they have yet to pinpointed a certain gene for this disorder. This is because people with schizophrenia have different point mutations. With many variations in the genetic mutations found in schizophrenics it is yet to be determined just how schizophrenia forms. With more research and the ability to genetically map peoples genomes, scientist are in high hopes of finding out more.
Genetic scanning technology has opened new doors to unknown questions regarding developmental disorders. This technology may also aid in unknown questions regarding mental retardation, autism, bipolar disorder, and depression that also have to do with a problem in brain development. With more research we can have a better understanding on how brain development works and also find cures for people with damaging disorders.
Posted by: Julie Hachey (2b)
posted by PWH @ 1:26 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
I'm a bit confused as to what is considered a small part of the population. 1% of the entire world has schizophrenia? That's HUGE! Is it passed on genetically within families? What are the treatments for it? Since they now know some of the genes responsible - can they run embryonic tests on fetuses? I'm super interested in this topic, so anything you can tell me would be helpful!
Posted by: Sarah Kaz
This topic is very interesting. I felt like I needed more information. Are scientists trying to develop a way to eliminate these point mutations on individuals with schizophrenia? Great topic!
C. Varela
It is amazing that as much as 1% of the human population has schizophrenia. If it truly is caused by a series of point mutations than this is a seriously high percentage. It is a pity that they have not yet discovered a specific gene for the disorder, as I am sure this would help largely in trying to understand and treat it. Who knows, maybe with research and time these scientists can find a way to prevent it altogether.
Posted by Ben Tummino
Schizophrenia is definitely a debilitating disease, and one that comes on suddenly. It would certainly help if there was a way to identify early on people who were at high risk for the disease within families that could carry the mutation. This could ensure that these people get the help they need as soon as possible. Great post!
-Scott Lee
This is a pretty interesting topic. Id be curious to see if you could identify the mutation that really causes the schzophrenia and try to compliment it to avoid the affects of the mutation. Also are these mutations passed on genetically or are they random? Seems like an interesting topic to continue to study.
Daniel O'Leary
this is a good topic but i would like to know more about this because this is really interesting can you explain a little bit more about how we call when someone has schizophrenia.
posted: Rafael Leon
This is a very interesting article. I took a genetic class that explained some of these mutations, and is quite complex to fully understand. I was also wondering if you found any information about the prevention of brain disorders during fetal development now that genetic scanning development is available?
Vanessa Raphael
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