The molecular biologist and co-discoverer of DNA, James Watson, who is now 81 years old, has been inspired by his schitzophrenic son to find the cause, treatment and, hopefully, a cure for mental disorders. He plans on mapping the gemones of 1000-5000 people with serious mental illness to try and uncover the complex genetic combinations that produce conditions such as schitzophenria, bipolar and depression.
Scottish researchers have already identified two genes, DISC1 and phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), that are known to be involved in brain development and memory. If these genes are damaged it can lead to an increase in the risk of a mental health problem. These genes determine the behaviour of a specific protein. It is the interaction between these two genes that scientists believe they can target with drugs. They do, however, think that the risk of a mental health problem is not all controlled by genes but is an interaction between genes and environmental factors.
