Are We Getting Closer to Finding the Cause of Mental Illnesses?

For decades, researchers have been trying to find the root causes of mental illness. Although there is currently no clear-cut answer, researchers have progressed and gotten closer to finding the cause(s) of mental illnesses. The discovery of microRNA (in the 1900s) have moved researchers closer to finding a genetic causal factor of mental disorders.

miRNAs are non-coding, functional RNAs that influence brain development. They do so by regulating the translation of mRNAs into proteins, and therefore control gene expression. Neurogenesis and synaptic activity are just some of the many processes that are regulated by miRNAs. Past studies have discovered a few miRNAs in the human brain that have unique roles. miRNA-137 has been identified and shown to regulate neuronal maturation and differentiation. miRNA-16 has been shown to inhibit neurogenesis. Improper functioning and alterations of these miRNAs have been linked to psychiatric illnesses. Studies have shown that individuals with autism and schizophrenia have altered mi-132 in their brain tissue.

Many researchers are interested in studying more about miRNAs and are convinced that it may lead them to discovering other relevant genes that contribute to mental disorders.

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Source:

• http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(17)32143-1/abstract