Molecular genetics of schizophrenia: a critical review.
We present an overview of current progress and future directions in the molecular genetics of schizophrenia. We review linkage studies, involving the genome-wide scan of chromosomes with closely spaced polymorphic markers, and association studies of candidate genes, identified on the basis of receptors, neurotransmitters and response to certain drugs. The limitations of the research methodology involved in analyzing such a complex disorder are discussed, as are methods to strengthen this methodology with newer statistical and technological advances to give results that are replicable, statistically significant and applicable to a wider population. A greater understanding of the genetic mechanisms and the application of pharmacogenetics would lead to improvements in therapeutic interventions.
Berry
Neeraj
N
Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. berry_neeraj@hotmail.com
Jobanputra
Vaidehi
V
Pal
Hemraj
H
D002878:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 / Q000235:genetics; D002884:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15 / Q000235:genetics; D002892:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 / Q000235:genetics; D002896:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium / Q000235:genetics; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods*; D017354:Point Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1 / Q000235:genetics; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5; D018079:Receptors, GABA / Q000235:genetics; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000235:genetics; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D018911:Trinucleotide Repeats / Q000235:genetics
C493605:DRD5 protein, human; D005819:Genetic Markers; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; D018079:Receptors, GABA; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5