[Current status of epigenetics of schizophrenia]

Nihon Rinsho. 2013 Apr;71(4):605-9.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The patients with schizophrenia suffer from a lot of severe symptoms; positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. However, the pathophysiology remains almost unknown, and no curative therapy is available for the patients. Thus, the elucidation of the pathophysiology and development of curative therapy are imperative. Epigenetics is a promising approach in that it can explain the environmental effects as well as gene-environmental interaction. Here, we review the recent progress of epigenetic studies in relation to schizophrenia and discuss the limitation of previous studies. Epigenetic studies applying the recent progress of genomics and neuroscience will contribute to better understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy / methods
  • Cognition Disorders / complications
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • DNA Methylation / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*