A study published in Molecular Psychiatry showed that brain volume changes are linked to social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The research, led by Noboru Hiroi at UT Health San Antonio, focused on the Tbx1 gene and its impact on social behavior in mice. Genetic variants, specifically copy number variants, play a role in brain structure and psychiatric disorders. Understanding individual gene contributions within these variants, like Tbx1, is crucial for unraveling CNV-associated brain abnormalities. The study highlights the potential for therapeutic interventions based on amygdala volume reduction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia.
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