UK scientists discover 8 new genes linked to schizophrenia

New Delhi- Researchers in the UK have identified eight new genes associated with schizophrenia, a breakthrough that could enhance understanding of the disorder and support the development of future treatments.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms often include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and noticeable changes in behaviour.

In the study, published in Nature Communications, scientists from Cardiff University’s Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (CNGG) investigated rare, high-impact mutations in protein-coding genes that are found more frequently in people with schizophrenia.

The team identified two genes — STAG1 and ZNF136 — with strong evidence of association, while six others — SLC6A1, KLC1, PCLO, ZMYND11, BSCL2, and CGREF1 — showed moderate links to the disorder.

Notably, SLC6A1 and KLC1 are the first schizophrenia risk genes connected exclusively to missense variants — a type of mutation that changes the amino acid sequence of proteins.

“These findings are important because they suggest schizophrenia may be linked to changes in how DNA is organized within cells, as well as disruptions in brain communication involving the chemical GABA,” explained Sophie Chick, a doctoral researcher at Cardiff University.

The international study examined genetic data from 28,898 people with schizophrenia, 103,041 without the condition, and 3,444 families affected by the illness. The results also highlight genetic overlaps between schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Four of the identified genes — STAG1, SLC6A1, ZMYND11, and CGREF1 — have previously been associated with autism, epilepsy, and developmental delays.

“Rare genetic variants have long been linked to schizophrenia, but pinpointing the specific genes involved has been very challenging,” said Dr. Elliott Rees, lead author from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine.

While turning these discoveries into treatments will take time, the findings pave the way for more targeted drug development and therapies in the future.

With inputs from IANS