| " Previous studies that rely on drugs can only mimic the symptoms of the disease, such as delusions and paranoia. " " But the new work, based on a key genetic change, could aid a much greater understanding of the disease. " " Animal models of schizophrenia have been hard to design since many different causes underlie this disease. " " However, the Johns Hopkins team were able to take advantage of the recent discovery of a major risk factor for the disease. " " Scientists pinpointed a key gene - dubbed DISC 1 - which makes a protein that helps nerve cells assume their proper positions in the brain. " " The Johns Hopkins team generated mice that make an incomplete, shortened form of the DISC 1 protein in addition to the regular type. " " The short form of the protein attaches to the full-length one, disrupting its normal duties. " " As these mice matured, they became more agitated when placed in an open field, had trouble finding hidden food, and did not swim as long as regular mice - behaviours that echo the hyperactivity, smell defects and apathy observed in schizophrenia patients. " " Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also revealed characteristic defects in brain structure, including enlarged lateral ventricles, a region that circulates the spinal fluid and helps protect against physical trauma. " " Researcher Professor Akira Sawa said the defects
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