Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Gene Identified?

A group of scientists in Trinity College Dublin in Ireland may have discovered the gene that is responsible for the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The genes identified are those belonging to the Cell Adhesion Molecule (CAM) pathway. A pathway is a group of genes which are involved in key biological processes. In the case of the CAM pathway, it is involved in neuronal cell adhesion, helping brain cells to connect, which is critical  for synapse formation and in normal cell signaling.

The study, led by TCD  researchers compared hundreds of thousands of genetic markers between cases and controls in a sample of almost 15,000 individuals.

The results indicate that variations in the CAM pathway have a significant association to development of the disorders.  If researchers are able to determine the actual mechanisms of how the pathway is contributing to disruptions in normal processes, then they may be able to find a way to reverse the effects.

To learn about the novel method that led to these findings, read the full article here. Then come back and leave us a note telling us what you think.