Changes in a single gene can cause mental illness, study reveals - Medical Xpress

An international study led by researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Leipzig Medical Center has identified the GRIN2A gene as the first known gene that can independently cause mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. This research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, challenges the traditional perspective that mental illnesses arise from a complex interplay of multiple genetic factors. The study analyzed data from 121 individuals with alterations in the GRIN2A gene and found that these genetic changes are linked to early-onset mental disorders, often manifesting during childhood or adolescence. Notably, some affected individuals exhibited psychiatric symptoms without accompanying conditions like epilepsy, typically associated with GRIN2A alterations. Researchers emphasized the gene's role in regulating the NMDA receptor, critical for brain signal transmission. Moreover, they indicated that a dietary supplement called L-serine showed promise in improving psychiatric symptoms in patients with GRIN2A alterations, suggesting potential avenues for precision therapy in treating mental disorders. The findings underscore the importance of genetic factors in mental health and open new pathways for diagnosis and treatment.