Scientists have identified the GRIN2A gene as the first single gene that can directly cause mental illness, such as schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
This breakthrough challenges the previous belief that mental illnesses arise only from multiple genetic and environmental factors interacting.
The study, led by the University of Leipzig Medical Center, analyzed data from 121 people with GRIN2A gene mutations and found that these changes triggered mental illness symptoms often beginning in childhood or adolescence rather than adulthood.
The researchers observed that GRIN2A mutations are not only linked to schizophrenia but also to a broader range of mental disorders.
Some individuals showed only psychiatric symptoms, even though GRIN2A variations were previously associated mainly with epilepsy or intellectual disability.
The gene plays a crucial role in nerve cell electrical activity by regulating the NMDA receptor, which is essential for brain signal transmission.
Importantly, the study showed therapeutic potential: patients with GRIN2A mutations responded positively to treatment with L-serine, a dietary supplement that activates the NMDA receptor and helped improve psychiatric symptoms.
This finding opens new paths for precision therapies targeting specific genetic causes of mental illness. The collaboration between genetic and clinical experts has established a global registry of GRIN2A patients, providing a foundation for ongoing research and treatment development.
This discovery marks a significant milestone in mental health research by showing that a single gene can directly cause mental illness, offering new hope for early diagnosis and personalized interventions in psychiatric care.
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