Scientists look to identify genetic factors in mental illness
Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders (NPD), including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, and depression, pose significant challenges for individuals and families, impacting societal well-being. Despite their prevalence, effective treatments remain elusive. Recent research indicates that genetic mutations in specific “risk genes” could heighten the likelihood of developing these disorders, with hundreds of such mutations identified. However, the precise functions of many of these genes remain largely unknown.
David Panchision, Chief of the Developmental and Genomic Neuroscience Research Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), emphasized the knowledge gap: “Very little is known about the basic function of most of these genes, often based on studies of cancer cells rather than brain cells.”
To address this critical issue, NIMH has launched the SSPsyGene consortium, uniting 20 research teams from leading U.S. universities. This initiative seeks to explore how mutations in these risk genes contribute to NPD.
In the initial phase of the project, researchers modified 23 NPD risk genes in stem cells, creating non-functional versions. These stem cells were subsequently differentiated into neurons, allowing scientists to model the effects of these mutations in a controlled lab environment. The resulting stem cell lines will be shared globally, fostering further investigation into the roles of these genes.
Looking to the future, the consortium plans to generate additional mutated stem cell lines covering a broader array of risk genes. The ultimate aim is to enhance understanding of the genetic foundations of NPD and improve treatment options. “This collaborative effort aims to produce a significant resource for the neuroscience and psychiatric research community,” Panchision noted.
As the SSPsyGene consortium embarks on this ambitious journey, the hope is that unraveling the genetic complexities of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders will lead to more effective interventions, ultimately benefiting countless individuals and families affected by these conditions.
