title: Can autoimmune mechanisms account for the genetic predisposition to schizophrenia?
abstract: Applications of molecular genetic techniques to schizophrenia have shown great initial promise but have then proved disappointing. In order to maximise chances of elucidating the genetic mechanism underlying schizophrenia, diverse strategies and diverse perspectives must be adopted. Most studies begin with the premise that, although schizophrenia may be a heterogeneous collection of diseases, some subtypes will be primarily single-gene disorders. We are concerned that this single-gene hypothesis may be incorrect. Schizophrenia research may benefit from application of knowledge from other disciplines and from other diseases which, in terms of epidemiology and apparent genetic mechanisms, bear some resemblance to schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ungvari
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies