Can Gene Therapy Help Fight Manic Depression

Those who suffer from bipolar disorder go through continuous bouts of mania and depression that affects them their entire life.

The cause of bipolar 1 disorder has been the focus of many studies but scientist may finally be getting closer to the crux of the problem.

For years, scientists have suspected a link between genes and manic depression. But there has been no peer studies to prove their point. But recent research points specifically to two genes that appear to play a dominant role in determining a person’s risk for developing manic depression.

If the discovery turns out to be true, it may potentially lead to a whole host of new and better treatments to combat the disorder.

The two genes causing all of the disquieting symptoms of manic depression are the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. The ANK3 gene is located on chromosome 10 at position q21. The CACNA1C gene is important in the production of the calcium channels which are found in many cells and are especially critical to the functioning of the heart and brain cells.

Furthermore, the proteins produced by these genes indirectly influence the activity in the brain’s nerve cells by controlling the flow of sodium and calcium in the brain.

And now, after having discovered the specific genes responsible for bipolar disorder, scientist can begin working on treatments and cures that target the gene directly.

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