Genetic linkage and psychiatric disease

Article Abstract:

This letter concerning the genetic linkage of psychiatric diseases was written in response to the article by M. Robertson in Nature, volume 342, page 222, 1989. Robertson claimed that there is no convincing evidence that any psychiatric disease is linked to a single locus. It is argued that this is incorrect, and that the linkage of manic depression on the X chromosome is well established. Robertson also suggested that the linkage of chromosome 5 with schizophrenia was incorrect. This was based on the interpretation of unpublished data presented at a conference. A genetic sequence, known as a marker, was localized between two other genetic sequences which are known to be isolated to chromosome 5 and are linked to schizophrenia. A scoring system exists which enumerates the strength of the linkage of certain genetic sequences with inherited disease states. This newly isolated genetic sequence or marker was shown to be linked to schizophrenia with a very low score. The author explains that the reason for the low score is that the sequence does not give as much information from the families with schizophrenia as the other markers, which established the linkage, did. Individuals must be heterozygous, or contain two different genetic sequences, at the markers so that information for the linkage can be established in their offspring. This genetic segment is not inherited in a straightforward manner. Robertson stated that a high score is needed to establish linkage of psychiatric disorders. It is argued that there is no reason why psychiatric disorders should be expected to meet a higher standard than other diseases; in fact, false negative linkages are more likely to occur than false positive linkages in research on psychiatric disorders. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Genetic aspects, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Genetic markers, Chromosome mapping, Chromosome abnormalities, Schizophrenia, Linkage (Genetics), Human chromosomes, letter to the editor

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A double-edged sword: the technical fix for one genetic disorder had unforeseen repercussions

Article Abstract:

A blood test developed by microbiologist and physician Robert Guthrie in 1960 has made it possible to identify children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria at a very early age. This means that their diet can be adjusted to minimize brain damage. However, eating a very restricted diet has significant repercussions.

Diagnosis, Phenylketonuria

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Fine-scale genetic structuring of Manacus manacus leks

Article Abstract:

Research is presented on the fine-scale genetic structure of white-bearded manakins, or Manacus manacus, and how their leks are made up of clusters of related kin. The tendency of males to form groups within leks, supports the theory of kin-selection to maximize the group's success in reproduction.

Social aspects, Environmental aspects, Lek behavior, Sexual behavior in animals, Animal sexual behavior, Courtship of animals, Mating behavior

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