Cell-free DNA in extracellular vesicles: A candidate biomarker of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder with significant impacts on individuals, families, and society. Previous research has indicated that SCZ patients will commonly face substantial impairments in mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation in the brain. Cell-free DNA (cf-DNA), serving as a direct biomarker of apoptosis, offers a valuable vantage point to understand the complex cellular mechanisms underlying SCZ. This review is to explore the role of cf-DNA in the etiology and progression of SCZ and evaluate the potential of cf-DNA within extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a diagnostic biomarker. A review approach was employed to gather and analyze relevant literature on the role of cf-DNA in SCZ, especially focusing on the potential of cf-DNA within EVs as a diagnostic biomarker. This review found that cf-DNA within EVs holds the potential to improve diagnostic methods. It can offer more accurate and sensitive means for detecting SCZ. Moreover, it has the ability to optimize disease management strategies by providing information about the disease state. Also, it can promote the development of pharmacological treatments for SCZ. Integrating cf-DNA analysis into clinical practice can help clinicians utilize cf-DNA levels and its unique characteristics for early and accurate diagnosis. The analysis of cf-DNA, particularly cf-DNA within EVs, has significant potential in the context of SCZ. It can transform our understanding of the disorder, improve diagnostic approaches, optimize disease management, and foster the development of pharmacological treatments.