German scientists found a gene causing mental illness

Scientists identified GRIN2A as the first gene that can directly cause mental illness on its own. This discovery could revolutionize psychiatric genetics and lead to new targeted treatments. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, found that mutations in GRIN2A are linked to psychiatric symptoms appearing in childhood or adolescence, including early-onset schizophrenia and mood disorders. This finding challenges the view of mental disorders as solely multifactorial. Early trials with L-serine showed symptom improvement in some patients, suggesting potential for personalized pharmacogenetic interventions.