Stress genes out of kilter

(Medical Xpress) -- Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine in Göttingen have investigated genetic variations of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, the biological stress axis, in schizophrenia patients. This system, which consists of various signalling molecules and the receptor structures that interact with them on the cell surface, plays a crucial role in the individual stress response. Hannelore Ehrenreich and her team have demonstrated for the first time an interaction between genetic variants within the CRF system, which show a high predictive value for the risk of comorbid alcoholism.

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