Genetics of Schizophrenia: Recent Advances

Genetic studies of schizophrenia have been fraught with challenges, yet molecular genetic and genomic methods remain essential to the discovery of the underlying biological mechanisms. Candidate genes and genome scan studies have played a significant role in the search for susceptibility loci. Studies in genetic isolates appear to be providing some of the most consistent results. These populations are characterized by a greater degree of homogeneity, which is hoped to be advantageous in the identification of genes contributing to the disease phenotype. The following review highlights some recent advances in schizophrenia research, with a focus on disease etiology, candidate genes, genome scan studies, and molecular genetic approaches.