2023-05-18 08:03:18
More than 100 genes linked to schizophrenia risk appear to cause the disease because of their role in the placenta rather than the developing brain.
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The brain would not be solely responsible for the appearance of schizophrenia, generally at the end of adolescence or at the beginning of adulthood. Research published in Nature Communications show that the placenta plays a much more important role in the development of the disease than previously thought. ” The commonly held view on the causes of schizophrenia is that genetic and environmental risk factors play a role directly and only in the brain, but these latest findings show that the health of the placenta is also crucial. “said Dr. Daniel Weinberger.
The placenta has essential functions for development
The study highlights no fewer than 139 risk genes specific to placenta and schizophrenia, many of which are sex-linked (the disease affects men more than women). The explanation lies in the many functions of the placenta, which are essential for brain development. A veritable exchange surface between the mother and the embryo, the placenta provides nutrients and oxygen, eliminates waste, prevents dangerous immune reactions and protects the embryo from infections. Researchers have found that schizophrenia risk genes negatively influence one of these essential functions by affecting nutrient exchange.
« This new molecular insight into how genes linked to disorders in the brain and other organs manifest in the placenta offers new opportunities to improve prenatal health and prevent complications later in life. concluded Dr. Weinberger. For example, scientists might detect changes in placental risk genes in the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy.
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