Unravelling the genome: a review of molecular genetic research in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a common and complex mental illness that affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Despite intensive research over the years, the aetiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia is poorly understood. However, it has long been recognised that schizophrenia is highly familial suggesting a possible genetic aetiology.

To review recent molecular genetic research in schizophrenia.

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Over the past decade, with the completion of the Human Genome Project, molecular genetic research has now identified a number of genes that are very likely to predispose to schizophrenia.

This article discusses the methodologies that have been used to identify schizophrenia susceptibility genes and provides a review of recently identified genes thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of this illness.