Progress in refining the genetic causes of schizophrenia

The study, which used blood samples from 1,714 individuals, is the largest of its kind. It has helped to clarify which specific genes are actually affected by the genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, and provides a blueprint for researchers to undertake similar analyses for other complex diseases. The team included collaborators from King's College London, University College London and the University of Aberdeen, as well as colleagues in Finland, China, Germany and the Netherlands.

The team focussed on both the underlying genetic sequence and DNA methylation -- an epigenetic mark which regulates both gene expression and function. By profiling genetic and regulatory variation in the same samples, the group found that many of the genetic variants previously found to be associated with schizophrenia have potential effects on gene regulation. The team also identified epigenetic changes in 26 of 105 regions of the genome previously implicated in schizophrenia, prioritising specific genes for further functional studies and as potential targets for novel treatments.

Professor Jonathan Mill, of the University of Exeter Medical School, who led the research, said: "This study highlights the power of integrating different types of genomic data to better understand how disease-associated DNA sequence variation actually influences the way in which genes function. Although our study focussed on schizophrenia, we're now applying this approach to other types of complex disease."

Dr Eilis Hannon, of the University of Exeter Medical School, was lead author of the study. She said: "It is clear that genetic studies need to look beyond simply sequencing DNA, and in this study we simultaneously profiled DNA methylation. By aligning the results from these two molecular approaches, we have generated a list of genes directly affected by schizophrenia genetic risk factors."