Molecular Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex and strongly heritable mental disorder, which is also associated with developmental–environmental triggers. As opposed to most diagnosable diseases (yet similar to other mental disorders), SZ diagnosis is commonly based on psychiatric evaluations. Recently, large-scale genetic and epigenetic approaches have been applied to SZ research with the goal of potentially improving diagnosis. Increased computational analyses and applied statistical algorithms may shed some light on the complex genetic and epigenetic pathways contributing to SZ pathogenesis. This review discusses the latest advances in molecular risk factors and diagnostics for SZ. Approaches such as these may lead to a more accurate definition of SZ and assist in creating extended and reliable clinical diagnoses with the potential for personalized treatment.

TrendsAlthough genetic and epigenetic variations are involved in the etiology of schizophrenia, current diagnosis is based on psychiatric evaluations.Recent experimental advances have provided a growing list of genes, polymorphisms, and genomic alterations with strong associations with schizophrenia.Innovative and integrated large-scale screens on schizophrenia samples have strengthened the identification of potential genetic risk factors.A more accurate molecular definition of schizophrenia may lead to successfully achieving personalized individual treatments for patients.