Decoding neurodevelopmental changes in schizophrenia: a comprehensive systematic review of neurogenic alterations

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic brain disorder with significant impacts on patients, families, and society, affecting health, social life, and economic well-being. Despite extensive research, the biological basis of SCZ remains unclear. However, evidence suggests that disruptions in brain development, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and circuit maturation, may contribute to the risk of developing SCZ later in life. This review integrates findings from in vivo and in vitro studies on SCZ tissues, providing a comprehensive overview of neurodevelopmental alterations, with a particular focus on neurogenesis. We examine alterations in brain trophic support, inflammatory states, and alterations in cell markers, molecular pathways, and genetic factors implicated in both neurogenic and broader developmental processes. Additionally, we explore anomalies in miRNAs and genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chromosome structure alterations, linked to SCZ. This review provides a framework to guide future research on the genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying SCZ, with particular emphasis on neurogenesis within a broader neurodevelopmental context.