MIT researchers have identified a gene mutation linked to schizophrenia and cognitive impairment, specifically difficulty in incorporating new information. The mutation, in the gene grin2a, affects a brain circuit responsible for updating beliefs based on new input. This discovery, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggests that drugs targeting this circuit could help manage cognitive issues in schizophrenia patients. The study, led by Guoping Feng and Michael Halassa, used a mouse model with the grin2a mutation to demonstrate impaired decision-making and adaptive behavior. Functional ultrasound imaging and electrical recordings identified the mediodorsal thalamus as the affected brain region, which plays a crucial role in cognitive functions. The researchers also employed optogenetics to reverse behavioral symptoms, showcasing the potential for circuit-based treatments. While the mutation is rare, the findings suggest that targeting this circuit could be a promising approach to alleviating cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
