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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia
Published on: June 15, 2011
Schizophrenia genetics: the search for a hard lead
1Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA. pfsulliv@med.unc.edu
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|March 12, 2008
Summary
Genomewide association studies are identifying new genes for schizophrenia and other disorders. While current findings have limited clinical impact, numerous studies are underway, promising significant advancements in genetic research.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Genomic Research
Background:
- Schizophrenia genetics research has evolved from candidate gene studies to broader genomic approaches.
- Previous efforts included candidate gene association and genomewide linkage studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the rationale for investigating schizophrenia genes.
- To review past research methodologies in schizophrenia genetics.
- To anticipate upcoming genomewide association studies (GWAS).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on schizophrenia genetics.
- Analysis of candidate gene association studies.
- Evaluation of genomewide linkage studies.
Main Results:
- Genomewide association studies have identified numerous novel candidate genes for various biomedical disorders.
- Seven new GWAS involving approximately 20,000 cases and controls were anticipated by the end of 2008.
Conclusions:
- Current findings from GWAS have minimal immediate clinical applications.
- The field is rapidly evolving, with potential for significant changes in understanding and recommendations within a year.
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