An article from MedicalXpress.com describes the findings of a group of researchers from Duke University regarding the genetics of schizophrenia. The scientists were investigating a gene called Arp2/3, which is believed to play a role in normal brain growth and development. The group removed Arp2/3 from mice models to assess its role in brain function. When this was done, the mice exhibited some of the symptoms normally associated with schizophrenia, including impaired growth of neurons, hyperactivity in some parts of the brain, and high concentrations of dopamine in the brain. The finding gives some evidence that dysfunction of this gene is related to human schizophrenia. When the exact role of the gene Arp2/3 in normal brain function is more clearly understood, it may lead to better treatments for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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