Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine have identified a new gene associated with abnormalities in learning and behaviour.

 

According to the researchers, the loss of CHRNA7 gene through removal of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with abnormalities.

 

"This research goes about 95% of the way to pin these problems in a specific group of individuals to this gene," Dr. Arthur L. Beaudet, chairman of molecular and human genetics at BCM said.

 

He believes that the removal will be recognised in other people with behavioural problems as well as schizophrenia, developmental delay and epilepsy.

 

"We scanned the genome of about 10,000 people to find this rare but important defect," said Dr. Pawel Stankiewicz, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM.

 

The gene encodes a protein known as ion channel, which permits ions to flow in and out of neurons in the brain. Flaws in ion channels have earlier been associated with epilepsy or seizure disorder.

 

"If insufficient expression of the nicotinic receptor causes most or all of the problems associated with deletions in this particular area of chromosome 15, then it offers a target for drug treatment," said Stankiewicz.

 

Chantix, a medicine now used in smoking cessation efforts, may be one such drug. The findings feature in journal Nature Genetics.