A new study into human and plant cell apoptosis could provide new avenues for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, and help develop disease-resistant plants.
Nineteen gene sets have been identified that contribute to at least five psychiatric disorders. The gene sets were associated with ADHD, ASD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.
NAPRT1, a gene that encodes an enzyme involved in vitamin B3 metabolism, may be a risk factor for schizophrenia. Knocking out the gene in zebrafish models, researchers discovered brain development became impaired. Without NAPRT1, the fish brains failed to divide symmetrically, which is significant as defects in the corpus callosum have been identified in those with schizophrenia.
Researchers report vitamin D levels affect perineuronal nets in the hippocampus. The study found vitamin D deficiency resulted in a significant decline in memory and learning in mouse models.
A new study confirms the link between vitamin D deficiency in newborns and an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life. Researchers report those born with a vitamin D deficiency had a 44% increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults.