People suffering from manic depression go through continuous bouts of mania and depression that affects them their entire life.

The cause of bipolar 1 disorder / depression has been the focus of many studies but scientist may finally be getting closer to the crux of the problem.

For years, scientists have suspected a link between genes and manic depression. But there has been no peer studies to prove their point. But recent research points specifically to two genes that seem as though they may play a central part in determining a person’s risk for developing manic depression.

If the discovery turns out to be true, it may potentially lead to a whole variety of new and improved treatments for fighting the disease.

The 2 genes that are causing all of the symptoms of manic depression are the ANK3 gene and the CACNA1C gene. The ANK3 gene is located on chromosome 10 at position q21. The CACNA1C gene is important in the production of the calcium channels which can be found in many of the body’s cells and are especially critical to the functioning of the heart and brain cells.

Moreover, it’s known that the proteins created by these genes indirectly influences the activity in the nerve cells of the brain by controlling the flow of sodium and calcium in the brain.

And now that the researchers have a big clue as to the genes causing this disorder, they can begin to work on treatments that target the gene directly.

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