Sex differences in the causes and symptoms of psychiatric illness

Daniel Haynes, PhD student funded by the Hodge Foundation, NMHII, Cardiff University

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CACNA1C and psychiatric illness

The CACNA1C gene is used to produce a specific type of calcium channel called Ca_v1.2. Ca_v1.2 channels in the brain are important for learning and memory. As well as Timothy Syndrome, CACNA1C mutations have been linked with psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.

Specifically, CACNA1C mutations may cause learning and memory problems often seen in each of these disorders. However, the biological processes behind this remain unclear. 

Sex differences 

Psychiatric illnesses often look different in men and women, and processes behind learning and memory may also differ. Furthermore, CACNA1C mutations may affect men and women differently. However, these potential sex differences are understudied. 

Research questions

1. Do CACNA1C mutations affect learning and memory?
2. What are the biological processes behind this?
3. Are males and females are affected differently? 

How will we answer these questions?

We will test learning and memory in rats that have CACNA1C mutations. We will study how these mutations affect their behaviour before measuring levels of relevant genes and proteins in their brains. Importantly, we will compare males and females throughout to measure any sex differences.  

Potential impact

Findings may identify new targets for treating cognitive issues seen in psychiatric illness, while studying sex differences may provide information that could allow treatment plans to become more personalised.