Epigenetic profiling in schizophrenia and major mental disorders.

Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are important in the etiology or pathophysiology of mental disorders. Here, we review recent studies on the relationship between DNA methylation and major mental disorders. We will focus on the role of DNA methylation in postmitotic neurons, intra- and interindividual variations in DNA methylation, the possible involvement of methionine metabolism pathways, and candidate and genome-wide DNA methylation as they relate to mental disorders. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.