Immune System and Genetics Linked to Schizophrenia, Memory, and Cognition
Following on their earlier work that identified three gene locations
that may be implicated in schizophrenia, researchers at UCLA and
colleagues from around the world have, for the first time, identified
additional genes that confirm what scientists have long suspected -
that the immune system may play a role in the development of the
disorder. Further, they have also identified genetic anomalies that
disrupt the cellular pathways involved in brain development, memory
and cognition, all markers of schizophrenia.
They
found significant associations with genetic markers on the Major
Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), a group of genes that controls
several aspects of the immune response. Further, they discovered
additional variations in two other genes, called NRGN and TCF4, which
points to perturbation of pathways involved in brain development,
memory and cognition.
While
the association between schizophrenia and the immune system has long
been suspected, the evidence for it has, until now, been mostly
circumstantial. And impaired cognitive and memory functions are
increasingly being recognized as core features of schizophrenia,
which are poorly addressed by current medications
Read more:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/uoc--uci070109.php
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