Posted by RedSoxFan79 on November 18, 2005, at 15:03:46
Researchers have hailed the discovery of a new gene linked to depression as a step towards unravelling the mystery of mental illness.
The team behind the breakthrough say it could lead to the development of new drugs to beat the condition, along with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Scientists at Glasgow and Edinburgh universities found that damage to the gene, known as PDE4B, can increase the risk of developing the illnesses.
Though known to play an important role in how the brain thinks and builds memories, it had not been linked to mental disorder.
It has also been connected with another gene, DISC1, previously found to increase the chances of developing the conditions.
Professor David Porteous at the University of Edinburgh said: "This is another important breakthrough in our still limited understanding of major mental illness.
"It is the result of a long term research commitment to use the tools of genetics to better understand the root causes of mental disorder.
"The new genetic link we have made to PDE4B and how that links back to DISC1 sheds much needed light on these debilitating disorders.
"It also suggests a new way of thinking about developing better and effective medicines."
The discovery was made by researchers working with scientists from the pharmaceutical firm Merck Sharpe and Dohme.
poster:RedSoxFan79
thread:580111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051025/msgs/580111.html