Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
04:41
Mapping Alzheimer's Disease Variants to Their Target Genes Using Computational Analysis of Chromatin Configuration
Published on: January 9, 2020
19.3K
Shared Genetic Architecture Among Severe Mental Disorders: A System Biology Approach Based on Protein-Protein
Hernan F Guillen-Burgos1,2,3, Valentina Vanegas3, Isabella Gonzalez1,4
1Universidad Simón Bolivar, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Barranquilla, Colombia.
Brain and Behavior
|September 9, 2025
Summary
Major psychiatric disorders share common genetic factors and molecular pathways, including inflammation and synaptic signaling. This transdiagnostic approach may lead to new treatments for conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD share overlapping molecular pathways.
- Investigating shared genetic architecture is crucial for understanding these complex conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify shared genes and analyze their functional implications across four major psychiatric disorders.
- To explore common molecular pathways and biological processes underlying these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized public datasets and the NCBI Gene database to identify disorder-associated genes.
- Performed intersection analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).
Main Results:
- Identified 31 intersected genes common to all four disorders.
- PPI analysis revealed significant network enrichment in inflammation, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity pathways.
- Functional enrichment highlighted cytokine signaling, dopaminergic transmission, and synaptic vesicle cycling, with brain region involvement.
Conclusions:
- Severe psychiatric disorders share common genetic underpinnings and biological processes, including inflammation and synaptic signaling.
- Findings support a transdiagnostic perspective for psychiatric conditions.
- This research may inform novel therapeutic strategies for overlapping psychiatric disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
1.5K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.5K
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
509
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
509
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
15.3K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
15.3K
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
1.0K
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
1.0K
02:26Protein Networks
4.5K
An organism can have thousands of different proteins, and these proteins must cooperate to ensure the health of an organism. Proteins bind to other proteins and form complexes to carry out their functions. Many proteins interact with multiple other proteins creating a complex network of protein interactions.
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
4.5K
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
1.8K
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
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...
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...
1.8K