Major Study Identifies New Genes Linked to Schizophrenia Risk

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified two new schizophrenia risk genes, SRRM2 and AKAP11, and a gene with potential ties to both schizophrenia and autism, PCLO. The study's meta-analysis broke from the tradition of only assessing European ancestry genomes, allowing for more inclusive conclusions on the disease. The discovery of new risk genes could lead to more targeted treatments for patients who do not respond to antipsychotic medication. The genetic overlap between psychiatric disorders could also be useful in treating patients with different manifestations of the same gene.