The molecular genetics of schizophrenia: progress so far

In 1988, a report of a genetic linkage between schizophrenia and markers on chromosome 5 caused considerable excitement. Many hoped that a cause for schizophrenia had been found. Unfortunately, subsequent results failed to replicate the finding, and there was little progress in the molecular understanding of the disorder over the next five years. However, within the past two years, there have been reports of positive linkages on chromosome arms 22q and 6p that, unlike previous reports, have received support from several teams. Here, we review the evidence for these linkages, as well as findings from association studies that have not yet received as much independent confirmation.