Researchers at Tampere University have identified genes linked to schizophrenia and shown how these genetic alterations disrupt synaptic plasticity, a key mechanism for learning and memory. Using computational models, they found that specific gene expression changes impair synaptic plasticity, shedding light on the disorder’s genetic basis. By incorporating polygenic risk scores from genome-wide association studies, the team linked plasticity-related genes to impaired visual responses in electroencephalogram tests. These findings highlight the potential of computational neuroscience to predict and understand disruptions in plasticity, marking a significant step forward.

The study also pinpointed three plasticity-related proteins that may contribute to schizophrenia-associated deficits. This discovery could guide future animal and cell culture studies, potentially leading to new treatments. Researchers stress the need to expand their computational model to include environmental factors and explore schizophrenia symptoms like working memory deficits. By offering a mechanistic polygenic model, the research advances understanding of the complex interplay of multiple genes in schizophrenia and paves the way for targeted interventions.

Reference: Tampere University. Researchers discover a mechanism that impairs synaptic plasticity in the brains of schizophrenia patients. ScienceDaily. Published September 4, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130930.htm#google_vignette