News Depression and Mental Health News Blog Gene May Help Spur Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Gene May Help Spur Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder |
|
|
|
Mice with a particular gene mutation behave much like humans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), scientists report.
The rodents have a genetic flaw that prevents their brain cells from producing a protein called SAPAP3, according to a Duke University Medical Center-led study. SAPAP3 plays an important role in the transmission of signals between brain cells. Mice lacking this protein were afraid to move out of the corner of their cages and compulsively groomed their faces until they bled. "The mice that could not produce this protein exhibited behaviors similar to that of humans with OCD, a compulsive action coupled with increased anxiety," team leader Guoping Feng, a Duke molecular geneticist, said in a prepared statement.
Please Enter New Tags Separated By Comma's
Or Close 
      |
Copyright© Deborah Gray
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
This information is meant to support, not replace, the relationship between a reader and his/her doctor. We do not collect, distribute, or sell any information about visitors to this site. And we do not retain or re-distribute personal information, including the email address, of anyone who writes to us. Wing of Madness accepts no corporate subsidy of any kind.