In their new paper, Cheyette
and his team examined the gene DIXDC1 — a key piece of the WNT signaling pathway that is active in tissues of the brain
and interacts with DISC1, a gene implicated in
schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder,
and autism spectrum disorders.
Although antipsychotic drugs are among the most widely prescribed medications, individuals with
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
and autism - spectrum disorders often experience severe side effects because the drugs
interact with dozens of other brain receptors.