Gene Linked to Schizophrenia

Researchers at the Universite de Montreal have found that mutations in the Shank3 gene cause a significant number of the cases of schizophrenia. The Shank3 gene is involved in maintaining the structure of nerve cells, and mutations in the gene cause abnormal cell shapes. The gene is also associated with autism, which suggests that these two diseases may be linked. The researchers are convinced that further research will confirm that Shank3 can be used as a marker for schizophrenia.

This article was very interesting because the mind and neurological disorders are fascinating to me. The brain is one of the least understood things in the body, so it is exciting to think of all the things we still can learn about it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412151825.htm