Research identifies new gene linked to schizophreniaJuly 4, 2019 - 18:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A collaboration between Australian and Indian scientists has identified a common gene shared by sufferers of schizophrenia, prompting hopes for a better understanding of the disease and how to treat it, Xinhua reports. Professor Rangaswamy Thara, co-founder and director of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation in Chennai, India, and Professor Bryan Mowry from Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, joined forces to study a population of 3,000 schizophrenia patients in India - revealing the presence of a common genetic variation. "This study identified a gene called NAPRT1 that encodes an enzyme involved in vitamin B3 metabolism," Mowry said. "When we knocked out the NAPRT1 gene in zebrafish, brain development of the fish was impaired - we are now working to understand more deeply how this gene functions in the brain," Mowry said. While studies done on predominantly European populations have identified over 100 genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, Mowry says that looking at other populations can highlight different parts of the genome and provide a more robust understanding of the disease. "Our studies aim to shed more light on what makes people susceptible to schizophrenia and possible treatments for the future," Mowry said. "There are now a multitude of genetic variants linked to schizophrenia, but we don't yet know what the hundreds of genes involved do," Mowry said. Mowry said that the next step is to further study the gene in healthy and diseased states, in computational models as well as in zebrafish. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |