Research Uncovers a Potential link Between Parkinson’s and Visual Problems
According to a new study, the most common genetic cause of Parkinson’s is not only responsible for the condition’s distinctive movement problems but may also affect vision.
Genes for Autism and Schizophrenia Only Active in Developing Brains
Genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during the early stages of brain development, according to a study in mice led by researchers at the University of Oxford.
Researchers Uncover Genetic Clues Which may Lead to Better Understanding of Organ Development and Birth Defects
Researchers have discovered clues to the development of the head at the cellular level, which could point scientists to a better understanding of how organs and birth defects form in humans.
Putting our Heads Together: Canines may Hold Clues to Human Skull Development
Reviewing research on dog cranium development, scientists consider how the information garnered over the past eight years could help us understand human skull development.
Experimental Gene Therapy Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy offers Hope for Youngster
A nationwide clinical trial for a new type treatment that could offer help to those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a devastating neuromuscular disease.
Study Points to Possible Cause and Treatment for Non-familial Parkinson’s
Researchers identify a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie common non-familial forms of Parkinson’s disease. The study implicates two genetic variants that disrupt protein sorting in neurons.
Scientists Find a Key Element of Lupus: Suggesting Better Drug Targets
Researchers have identified specific cellular events that appear key to the debilitating autoimmune disease, lupus. The findings suggest that blocking this pathway in lupus-triggering cells could be a potent weapon against the disease.
How Deficiencies in Two Genes Synergize to Halt Formation of Gut Nervous System
Researchers identify a new gene associated with Hirschprung Disease and show how the migration of cells that form the gut nervous system is impeded when the combined doses of two candidate genes are low. Understanding the genetic basis of HSCR offers hope for better diagnostics and treatment for it and other developmental defects caused by failure of cell migration.
More Links Found Between Schizophrenia and Cardiovascular Disease
A new study expands and deepens the biological and genetic links between cardiovascular disease and schizophrenia. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death among schizophrenia patients, who die from heart and blood vessel disorders at a rate double that of persons without the mental disorder.
Genome-Wide Atlas of Gene Enhancers in the Brain On-line
Future research into the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia, should greatly benefit from a first-of-its-kind atlas of gene-enhancers in the cerebrum (telencephalon). This new atlas identifies and locates thousands of gene-regulating elements in a region of the brain that is of critical importance for cognition, motor functions and emotion.
