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Genes and structural brain imaging in schizophrenia.

Neeltje E van Haren¹, Steven C Bakker, René S Kahn

¹Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

|March 12, 2008

Summary

Structural brain imaging is a valuable tool for understanding schizophrenia genetics. Studies show consistent findings for BDNF and COMT genes, but larger patient samples are needed for robust genetic association studies.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Genetics

Background:

Schizophrenia is a complex genetic disorder influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Endophenotypes, such as structural brain parameters, offer higher genetic signal-to-noise ratios for studying psychiatric illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the influence of genetic variations on brain volume in schizophrenia.
To evaluate the utility of structural neuroimaging as an endophenotype for schizophrenia research.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of genetic imaging studies in schizophrenia.
Analysis of associations between specific gene polymorphisms (BDNF, COMT) and brain volume.

Main Results:

BDNF and COMT genes are frequently studied and show consistent associations with brain volume changes in schizophrenia.
Current findings suggest sample sizes of 50-100 patients may be sufficient, but larger cohorts are recommended for stronger evidence.

Conclusions:

Structural neuroimaging serves as a valid endophenotype for investigating schizophrenia's complex genetic underpinnings.
Replication studies and increased patient numbers are crucial for advancing genetic association research in schizophrenia.