Possible Prenatal Genetic Risk Screening for Schizophrenia
By: Fortis Keira Brown, Los Alamos High School
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Summary
This project explores the potential of using genetic testing to predict the risk of developing schizophrenia before birth. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder marked by symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, with its onset typically in late adolescence or early adulthood. The study focuses on the dopamine hypothesis, which links the disorder to dopamine dysfunction caused by mutations in genes such as COMT, DAOA, and HTR2A. The research also discusses polygenic risk scores, which assess the likelihood of developing schizophrenia based on genetic factors. Although integrating genetic, environmental, and demographic factors into a comprehensive risk assessment is complex, the project suggests that advances in genetic research could enable early diagnosis and intervention, potentially improving outcomes for those at risk of schizophrenia.
Mutated Gene Expression (Figure representation created by the author: Fortis Keira Brown)
Video Presentation
Impact Statement
I learned about schizophrenia, specifically the genes related to it and how it is treated currently. I dived into articles about schizophrenia-implicated genes, antipsychotics, the dopamine hypothesis, and prenatal testing. My project took the basics of schizophrenia and sought to see if earlier diagnosis was possible via prenatal genetic testing. The program prepared me for future research by giving me the tools I needed to access information and taught me how to share my thoughts in a scientific setting. It also taught me how to make scientific diagrams and posters, two skills I was not taught in school that will greatly benefit me for years to come. Mental disorders and genetics are two fields I'm interested in as a long term career, and this combination of the two was incredibly fascinating.
Report White Paper
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_By: Fortis Keira Brown_
The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.
