Scientists have discovered 439 genetic variations involved in schizophrenia, which could ultimately enable the development of new treatments.
- Scientists have identified more than 400 genetic variations involved in the development of schizophrenia.
- This discovery could enable the development of new treatments.
- 20 to 30% of patients do not respond to treatments for this disease according to Inserm.
In France, 600,000 people suffer from schizophrenia, according toNational Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). This pathology, which generally manifests itself between the ages of 15 and 25, is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are diverse and can be confused with those of other illnesses: withdrawal or social isolation, cognitive difficulties, hallucinations, delusions, etc. Patients have a disturbed perception of reality.
439 genetic variations linked to schizophrenia
According to Inserm, “certain genetic variations have been identified as being associated with a slight increased risk of developing the disease”. Many researchers are currently working to better understand the disease in order to diagnose it earlier.
In a new study, published in the journal Cell Genomicsresearchers studied more 5,000 genetic variations associated with schizophrenia. Their objective was to determine those favoring the development of the disease and those which had no impact.
Using a genetic sequencing technique, scientists have discovered 439 genetic variations that have real biological effects, meaning they can change the expression of a gene and therefore be involved in the development of schizophrenia.
New treatments for schizophrenia
“This understanding could pave the way for more precise interventions and therapies in the future, explains Hyejung Won, lead author, in a communicated. Currently, treatment options are limited and some people do not respond to available medications.”
Indeed, according to Inserm, around a third of patients are in lasting remission after a few years of treatment but 20 to 30% of patients do not respond to treatments.
“Finding these 439 variations (…) is a big step forward, but we still have a lot of work to do to understand the complex genetic architecture that leads an individual to develop this disease, Hyejung Won concludes. With this information in hand, we could begin to understand the biological mechanism underlying this complex disorder, which could eventually lead to targeted therapies.”
