Psychiatric genetics
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Psychiatric genetics · Aug 2020
ReviewThe role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of mental and neurological disorders.
In recent decades, the concept of the gut microbiota as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for mental health has emerged. The tiny microbes inhabiting our gut communicate through a bidirectional communication signaling with the brain that influences gut physiology, brain function and behavior. ⋯ This review will highlight recent findings in both human and animal studies indicating how changes in the gut microbiota can impact the pathophysiology of such diseases. The current work will also provide an understanding of the efficacy of microbiota-targeted therapies on psychiatric disorders.
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Psychiatric genetics · Feb 2019
ReviewCross-species models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: lessons from CNTNAP2, ADGRL3, and PARK2.
Animal and cellular models are essential tools for all areas of biological research including neuroscience. Model systems can also be used to investigate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ⋯ By bringing together behavioral and neurobiological data, we demonstrate how a cross-species approach can provide integrated insights into gene function and the pathogenesis of ADHD and ASD. The knowledge gained from transgenic models will be essential to discover and validate new treatment targets for these disorders.
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We examined whether established metabolic risk genetic variants in the population confer a risk for increased waist circumference in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and also an association with schizophrenia spectrum disorders irrespective of waist circumference. ⋯ Increased waist circumference in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder may be explained, in part, by increased metabolic risk gene burden, and it indicates a shared genetic susceptibility to metabolic disorder and psychosis per se. Along these lines, common metabolic risk genetic variants confer a risk for increased waist circumference in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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Psychiatric genetics · Dec 2014
Biography Historical ArticleIn memoriam: Hugh Malcolm Douglas Gurling.