Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
Hair follicles may seem an odd place to look when trying to predict mental illness. But in fact, it’s not so odd. Brain cells and hair follicles 'the organs that grow hair in humans and other mammals' are derived developmentally from a layer of the embryo called the ectoderm, which also produces the outer skin layer and teeth enamel, for example. We were looking for a way to examine genes that have been found to be different in the brain cells of schizophrenic patients and controls, with the goal to identify biomarkers that could be used to fine whether a person might be susceptible to the disease. We found a gene called FABP4 being down-regulated in hair follicles. This means that we could look at the expression of FABP4 in hair follicles and recognize a susceptibility if it was reduced. These finding could allow us to better understand the onset of the disease and, eventually, look for treatments that can delay or even prevent the onset of the disease.
All 2015 2014 Other
All Journal Article (4 results) (of which Peer Reviewed: 1 results, Open Access: 2 results) Presentation (2 results) (of which Invited: 1 results) Remarks (2 results)
分子精神医学
Volume: 15（2） Pages: 60-62
Medical Tribune
Volume: 48 Pages: 7-7
児童青年精神医学とその近接領域
Volume: ---
Biological Psychiatry
Volume: 3223 Issue: 2 Pages: 00570-00578
10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.07.025
40020643113
http://www.riken.jp/pr/press/2014/20140912_1/
http://mtpro.medical-tribune.co.jp/mtpronews/1504/1504041.html
