Mental Health Solicitors

New research by University College London (UCL) has identified Genes involved in schizophrenia and obesity.

Researchers at the UCL Genetics Institute say the findings lead to a better understanding of the DNA variants affecting risk of both conditions – and aid the development of improved strategies for prevention and treatment.

The team analysed more than one million genetic variants in over two thousand people who had either schizophrenia or severe childhood onset obesity.

The work was carried out as part of the UK10K project – a British research program funded by the Wellcome Trust, which has sequenced the genes of several thousand volunteers.

The results identified those genes in which variants more commonly occurred in either the schizophrenic or the obese subjects.

The researchers identified that two variants in the MC4R gene previously known to protect against developing obesity were seldom seen in the obese subjects.

However, rare variants in genes called CRHR1 and SNORD115 were seen more frequently in obese subjects, suggesting that if these genes do not work normally, this increases the risk of obesity.

SNORD115 lies within a region of chromosome 15, which is deleted in Prader-Willi syndrome – a condition causing those affected to suffer extreme cravings for food. The results of the study suggest that SNORD115 might be responsible for this symptom.

The team found that people with schizophrenic had more frequent variants in the gene NLGN2 – which is involved in ensuring that the synapses (the junctions between neurons in the brain) function correctly.

The findings support the existing theory that schizophrenia may, in part, be due to problems with synaptic function.

The researchers identified several other genes of interest, which will also be the subject of further research.

Lead researcher, Professor David Curtis, said:

“Schizophrenia and obesity represent huge public health problems. Both conditions have a substantial genetic contribution which is, at present, poorly understood.

“This study illustrates the way that genetic sequencing technology can help us to make progress in this area."

Dr Richard Durbin at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, added:

“The UK10K collaborative research project has involved researchers across Britain, who sequenced all the genes in nearly ten thousand British people with a variety of medical conditions.

“We are delighted that it has enabled a wide range of genetics studies, including these important findings on the genetics of schizophrenia and obesity."

The findings of the research are published in published in the Annals of Human Genetics.

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