Schizophrenia linked to signalling problems in new brain study

Schizophrenia linked to signalling problems in new brain study. Researchers identify 49 genes that work differently in schizophrenia patients - %0A " - Imperial College London News Release Under strict embargo for - 08.30 am GMT / 03.30 am EST - Tuesday 3 March 2009 Schizophrenia could be caused by faulty signalling in the brain, according to new research published today in the journal . In the biggest study of its kind, scientists looking in detail at brain samples donated by people with the condition have identified 49 genes that work differently in the brains of schizophrenia patients compared to controls. Many of these genes are involved in controlling cell-to-cell signalling in the brain. The study, which was carried out by researchers at Imperial College London and GlaxoSmithKline, supports the theory that abnormalities in the way in which cells 'talk' to each other are involved in the disease. Schizophrenia is thought to affect around one in 100 people. Symptoms vary but can include hallucinations, lack of motivation and impaired social functioning.