Genetic analyses of schizophrenia.

Although evidence exists to support a heritable component to schizophrenia, few details are understood about the genetics of the disorder. Presently, molecular genetic techniques provide the most promise in uncovering the genetic mechanisms of disease. Candidate gene analyses and linkage studies have opened some prospective avenues for exploration. Clearer findings from these studies many be hidden by the syndromic nature of schizophrenia. The study of more genetically homogenous populations and symptom-based phenotypic subtypes may help to make this genetic data more revealing. This review highlights some of the latest progress and findings in the molecular genetic analyses of schizophrenia, including both candidate gene analyses and genome scan studies.