Discovery of gene could improve treatment for schizophrenics

THE discovery of a gene associated with severe schizophrenia could lead to improved treatment of those with the mental disorder.

Up to 2,000 Irish people, including 270 families affected by the condition, took part in the study which led to the discovery of the gene, MEGF1.

Dr Tony O’Neill, an academic at Queen’s University Belfast, was part of the international team who identified the gene. Dr O’Neill, from the Department of Psychiatry at Queen’s, said their discovery “helps piece together the complex picture underlying risk of schizophrenia and offers the hope of more successful interventions in the future”.

“We are beginning to understand how difficulties with the developing brain can compromise important brain systems leading to the bewildering and distressful symptoms of schizophrenia”, Dr O’Neill said.

Dr O’Neill said environmental as well as genetic factors were at play in the development of schizophrenia.

“Smoking cannabis is a risk factor, medical difficulties during pregnancy is a factor, there are a whole range of risk factors,” he said.In countries where food shortages were experienced, increases in schizophrenia had been noted in the children of women pregnant at the time of the shortage.

“For instance after World War Two, in areas where food shortages were experienced, there was an increase in schizophrenia in the children of women pregnant at the time. Any stress during pregnancy, including dietary stress, can be a factor.”

Dr O’Neill said research on mental disorders was “about 10 years behind cancer research” and translating the findings of their research into treatment benefits was still “a reasonable way off”.

Schizophrenia is associated with disturbed thinking and hallucinations. It typically starts in late adolescence, and can have a devastating effect on sufferers and carers.

The 20-year study that led to identification of the new gene also involved the Health Research Board and academics from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

The new genetic link is highlighted in the March edition of the journal Biological Psychiatry.