Update on key previously proposed candidate genes for schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
We will give an overview of more recent data concerning previously implicated candidate genes for schizophrenia. This includes functional data when available. Furthermore, studies on copy number repeats and their possible implications in schizophrenia will be described.


RESULTS
Within the past year, schizophrenia genetics has focused on a more detailed investigation of previously implicated candidate genes. In addition, investigation of copy number variations has led to the identification of rare structural DNA variants that might play a major role in some cases of schizophrenia.


CONCLUSIONS
There is emerging evidence that some cases of schizophrenia might be due to rare genetic structural variation, though the majority of cases should be due to a cumulative effect of common variations in multiple genes, which in combination with environmental stressors may lead to the development of schizophrenia.
Schwab
Sibylle G
SG
School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia. sschwab@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Wildenauer
Dieter B
DB
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D000074765:Dysbindin; D049029:Dystrophin-Associated Proteins; D018628:Gene Dosage; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D040342:Genetic Structures / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D051379:Mice; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D020890:Neuregulin-1 / Q000235:genetics; D017853:Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / Q000235:genetics; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000235:genetics; D020710:RGS Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics*; D012931:Social Environment
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C475071:DAOA protein, human; C412476:DISC1 protein, human; C432416:DTNBP1 protein, human; D000074765:Dysbindin; D049029:Dystrophin-Associated Proteins; D005819:Genetic Markers; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D020890:Neuregulin-1; D020710:RGS Proteins; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; C098799:RGS4 protein; D004247:DNA; C514871:PIP4K2A protein, human; D017853:Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor); D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt