Topic: Neuroscience

Researchers at MIT found a gene mutation that may contribute to schizophrenia patients' difficulty in updating their beliefs. This can lead to a disconnect from reality.

In people with schizophrenia, it's hard to use new information to understand the world. This makes decision-making challenging and can lead to a disconnect from reality over time. Scientists at MIT have discovered a gene mutation that may play a key role in this problem.

The researchers found that the mutation disrupts a brain circuit responsible for updating beliefs when new information is received. The mutation occurs in a gene called grin2a, which was previously flagged in large genetic studies of schizophrenia.

In experiments with mice, the scientists found that the mutation slows down decision-making. Mice with the mutation took longer to learn and adjust to changing situations.

The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit could help improve cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Why It Matters

Understanding how schizophrenia affects the brain can lead to new ways to treat the disorder, which is a major concern in India where mental health issues are on the rise.

Key Facts

• The gene mutation occurs in a gene called grin2a, which was previously flagged in large genetic studies of schizophrenia.
• The mutation disrupts a brain circuit responsible for updating beliefs when new information is received.
• In experiments with mice, the scientists found that the mutation slows down decision-making.
• The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit could help improve cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component, and about 1 percent of people in the general population develop the condition.

Key Terms

Grin2a

A gene previously flagged in large genetic studies of schizophrenia.

Implications

Understanding how schizophrenia affects the brain can lead to new ways to treat the disorder, which is a major concern in India where mental health issues are on the rise.