Gene Linked to Higher Intelligence, Schizophrenia
An article published in the UK’s Times Online in February 2007 discusses the presence of a gene connected with an increased risk of schizophrenia that is also said to enhance brain functioning.
According to studies conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health, this gene, DARPP-32, is linked to higher intelligence. It improves the way that information is exchanged between the striatum, a brain region that processes reward, and the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s executive hub, which manages thoughts and actions. But, if other genes and certain environmental factors exist, this same gene can lead to an increased risk of schizophrenia.
When this circuit works efficiently, the normal outcome is more flexible thinking and improved working memory. As a result, genes such as DARPP-32 that enhance it have probably been favored by evolution.
Check out the article at
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article1355884.ece
Posted by The Clearinghouse
According to studies conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health, this gene, DARPP-32, is linked to higher intelligence. It improves the way that information is exchanged between the striatum, a brain region that processes reward, and the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s executive hub, which manages thoughts and actions. But, if other genes and certain environmental factors exist, this same gene can lead to an increased risk of schizophrenia.
When this circuit works efficiently, the normal outcome is more flexible thinking and improved working memory. As a result, genes such as DARPP-32 that enhance it have probably been favored by evolution.
Check out the article at
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article1355884.ece
Posted by The Clearinghouse
posted by clearinghouse at 4:26 PM
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