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[Search for risk genes in schizophrenia]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Julius-Kühn-Str. 7, 06112, Halle, Deutschland. dan.rujescu@uk-halle.de.
Der Nervenarzt
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder. Recent studies identified numerous genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variants, offering new insights into its complex genetic architecture.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Schizophrenia affects 0.5-1% of the population.
- Genetic factors contribute significantly (64-81%) to schizophrenia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in identifying genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Review of linkage and candidate gene studies.
- Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- Examination of copy number variants (CNVs) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
Main Results:
- The largest global study identified 128 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 108 loci.
- Strongest associations found within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
- Significant impact of CNVs (microdeletions/duplications) in specific patient subgroups, notably at 1q21.1, 2p16.3, 3q29, 15q13.3, 16p11.2, and 22q11.21.
Conclusions:
- Next-generation sequencing is expected to yield substantial new genetic evidence for schizophrenia.
- Future research will focus on the functional roles of identified genetic variants.