Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Single Gene Identified as Potential Cause of Schizophrenia, Mental Illnesses
Scientists in Germany have found a special gene named GRIN2A that might be a single cause for mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Usually, people thought many different things, like several genes and things around us, made people sick in their minds.
But this study shows that if this GRIN2A gene is not working right, it can cause these problems all by itself.
It's like one broken part causing a big problem, instead of many small issues adding up.
People with this gene issue sometimes show problems when they are kids or teenagers, earlier than usual.
This discovery could help doctors find out who is at risk sooner and maybe even create new medicines to help these people feel better, possibly with a simple supplement called L-serine.
German researchers identified the GRIN2A gene as a potential single cause for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
This finding challenges the long-held view that mental disorders are solely caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Individuals with GRIN2A alterations often display symptoms earlier, during childhood or adolescence.
The GRIN2A gene regulates nerve cell excitability and NMDA receptor function, crucial for brain signaling.
Preliminary results suggest the dietary supplement L-serine may improve psychiatric symptoms in affected patients.
- Who
- German researchers led by Professor Johannes Lemke
- What
- Identified the GRIN2A gene as a single gene that can independently cause schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
- When
- The study was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. The WHO reported nearly one in seven people worldwide lived with a mental illness in 2021.
- Where
- Germany (research institution)
- Why
- The GRIN2A gene regulates nerve cell electrical excitability and NMDA receptor activity. Certain variants reduce NMDA receptor function, altering neural pathways that may lead to mental illness.
Previously Held Belief
New Findings
Origin of Mental Illnesses
Previously Held Belief
Mental illnesses arise solely from a combination of multiple genetic and environmental influences.
New Findings
The GRIN2A gene has been identified as a single gene that can independently cause mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Gene's Role in Psychiatric Disorders
Previously Held Belief
Psychiatric disorders are polygenic, meaning they result from many genes.
New Findings
GRIN2A is the first known gene that, on its own, can cause a mental illness.
- Gene Identified
- GRIN2A
- Primary Research Institution
- University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Germany
- Journal Publication
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Potential Early Treatment
- L-serine (dietary supplement)
- Gene Function
- Regulates nerve cell electrical excitability, influences NMDA receptor activity