The Link between Memory and Schizophrenia

As many psychiatric disorders can be connected to memory deficits, scientist have now identified an important network of genes that control essential properties of neurons that are critical for function of the human brain, memory and the development of schizophrenia.

Lead study author Angela Heck analyzed the genetic basis of working memory for over 2,800 healthy individuals across a range of different age groups. Using bioinformatic methods, the analysis revealed that one group of genes--the group of voltage-gated ion channels--were extremely relevant as they worked to regulate neuron's electric excitability. The researchers then applied the same method to a population of over 32,000 participants, consisting of both healthy patients and those suffering from the health issue. 

Taking things a step further, researchers Matthias Eastenrath examined the brain activity in approximately 700 health participants through the use of functional imaging while they were solving working memory tasks. The genes of the ion channels showed a correlation among the activity of two brain regions in the cerebellum and the cerebrum.

The study notes that previous findings have shown that malfunctions regarding the excitability of neurons connected to the two brain regions can contribute to the development of schizophrenia.

The results of the study include the following, courtesy of a press release: "The findings provide a good starting point for the development of drugs aimed at treating memory-related and psychiatric disorders. The Transfaculty Research Platform MCN is a joint endeavor of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Basel and the Psychiatric University Clinics. Its goal is to advance research on the neurobiological underpinnings of human emotional and cognitive processes and to contribute to the development of novel treatment options for neuropsychiatric disorders. Human genetics and functional imaging are the methodological backbone of MCN's research. The platform is jointly led by Prof. Dominique de Quervain and Prof. Andreas Papassotiropoulos."

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Neuron.