Gene for bipolar identified
I thought this might be on interest to some of you out in LJ land:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2985092.stm
Scientists have identified a gene mutation that causes manic depression in as many as one in 10 patients.
The gene, GRK3, plays an important role in regulating the way the brain responds to chemicals such as dopamine which are known to control mood.
The mutation, discovered by a team from the University of California, San Diego, occurs in the gene's on-off switch.
This may mean that the gene is activated inappropriately, or turned off when it should be working.
The researchers believe the mutation causes those who carry it to become hypersensitive to dopamine - leading to extremes of mood.