Brain cell malfunction identified in Schizophrenic patients

A brain cell malfunction in patients with Schizophrenia has been found by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute.

The study revealed that DNA stays too tightly wound in brain cells of people with schizophrenia, paving the way for new treatment pathways.

Younger people exhibit this deficit more clearly, according to the research, suggesting that early treatment could be the most effective way of combating the condition and
reversing its symptoms.

Professor Elizabeth Thomas, leader of the study, commented: “We’re excited by the findings and there’s a tie to other drug development work, which could mean a faster track to clinical trials.”

The medical community has increasingly come to realise that epigenetic effects can change the way DNA functions without changing a person’s DNA code.

This has had important ramifications for the study of mental health and schizophrenia in particular.

Researchers have previously managed to link schizophrenia to a specific region of DNA – the same area where genes for immune function are located.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.