Study offers insight into genetics of schizophrenia

ConclusionThis large genome-wide association study has found genetic variations in 108 loci more likely to be found in people with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. While some of these variations fell in genes that code for proteins that are already targets for drug treatments for schizophrenia, variations at 83 of the loci had not previously been implicated as being involved in schizophrenia. This provides new insights for further research.The study's strengths include the large number of cases and controls involved. But this study cannot prove that these genetic variants cause schizophrenia. It remains likely that a combination of environmental factors and genetic susceptibility increases the risk of the condition. A further consideration is the huge variability in the level of severity and the type of symptoms that can be present within the "umbrella" diagnosis of schizophrenia. It is hoped the identification of these genes will pave the way towards a greater understanding of this complex condition.Read more about schizophrenia, the current treatments for the condition and the available support.Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines New DNA hope on schizophrenia: Discovery of 100 genes could help to transform treatment for the condition. Daily Mail, July 22 2014DNA hope on schizophrenia: Research breakthrough points at over 100 genes. The Independent, July...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Genetics/stem cells Mental health Neurology Source Type: news