Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
Modelling gene-environment interaction in first episodes of psychosis
Miguel Bernardo1, Miquel Bioque2, Bibiana Cabrera2
1Barcelona Clínic SchizophreniaUnit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction:
Recent research demonstrates the heterogeneous etiology of psychotic disorders, where gen-environment (GxE) interaction plays a key role. Large genetic studies have linked many genetic variants with schizophrenia, but each variant is only associated with a small effect and the GxE interaction contribution has not been evaluated.
Methods:
The PEPs Project was designed to carefully collect a large amount of genetic and environmental exposure data of 335 FEP patients and 253 matched healthy controls.780single-nucleotide polymorphisms (from 159 candidate genes)and 16 environmental variables previously reported as the main psychosis non-genetic risk factors were analyzed together using entropy-based measures of information gain.
Results:
Our analyses identified an interaction between nine SNPs and the exposition to the environmental risk factors of psychosis, showing a clear enrichment of genes linked to serotonin neurotransmission and neurodevelopmental processes.
Conclusions:
This study has allowed the identification of several GxE-environment interactions involved in the risk of presenting a FEP. Our results highlight the importance of serotonin neurotransmission interacting with certain environmental stimuli. The serotoninergic system may be playing a key role in the regulatory network of stress and other systems implicated in the emergence and development of psychotic disorders.
More Related Videos
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
05:52Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Gene-Environment Interactions
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...