LSU researchers link schizophrenia to DNA region

An international research team led by a professor at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has found evidence which links schizophrenia to a specific region of DNA. Genetic variants that cause a high risk for schizophrenia were found on the chromosomes for immune function, which leads to questions if treatment for autoimmune disorders may be useful in treating the devastating disease. “Scientists have been looking for schizophrenia susceptibility genes since the early 1900s,” says Nancy Buccola, assistant professor of clinical nursing at LSUHSC. “This study shows that these genes can be found and sets the stage for future research.” Buccola’s team published two papers on their findings in the journal Nature. About 1.1% of the U.S. adult population suffers from schizophrenia, which causes them to hear voices that don’t exist and feelings of paranoia.