Genetic study of schizophrenia: new targets for therapy.
Recent advances in genomic and genetic knowledge and technology have opened the way to deciphering the extremely complex molecular mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. Despite accumulated pharmacological and clinical evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, genetic studies have shown that monoamine-related genes, including dopamine D3 and 5-HT(2A) receptors, are associated with only a modest risk of susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, recent studies have revealed many attractive candidate genes, such as: cytosolic phospholipase A2, potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channel, subfamily N, member 3, sigma receptor type 1, cannabinoid receptor 1, dihydropyridimdinase-related protein 2, proline dehydrogenase 2, Disc-1, dysbindin and neuregulin 1. These molecules are involved in a wide range of brain functions and may become targets for novel therapy of schizophrenia in the immediate future.
Ujike
Hiroshi
H
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. hujike@cc.okyama-u.ac.jp
Nakata
Kenji
K