Schizophrenia

Scientists at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have “identified key genetic traits that for the first time point to a biological mechanism behind schizophrenia,” writes Shirley Wang of The Wall Street Journal.

Dr, Susan Whifield-Gabrieli discusses the importance of understanding the default mode network (DMN) in the human brain to the study of schizophrenia in a NOVA feature by Allison Eck. “This is first time we’ve found a neural system that actually reveals your inner self,” says Whitfield-Gabrieli.

“There are now 108 known places in the genome which point us towards genes that are involved in causation. And, as you suggest, while most are in the nervous system, some of them, very intriguingly, point to the immune system as being involved,” Dr. Steven Hyman says of the new findings on schizophrenia during an interview with the PBS Newshour. 

Los Angeles Times reporter Geoffrey Mohan writes about a new study, coauthored by researchers from the Broad Institute, that identifies over 100 regions in human DNA that correlate with schizophrenia. “The findings provide substantial support for a genetic root to the disorder and greatly narrow the search for genes that may cause the disease, the authors said,” writes Mohan. 

In a piece for USA Today, Karen Weintraub reports that scientists have identified more than 100 genes connected to schizophrenia. "Most importantly, the goal is not to end up with a list of genes, but with novel treatments,” explains Steven Hyman, director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute. 

Associated Press reporter Seth Borenstein writes that researchers have discovered more than 100 spots in our DNA tied to schizophrenia. "It's a genetic revelation; schizophrenia has been a mystery," says study co-author Steve McCarroll, director of genetics for the Broad Institute. 

Scientists have uncovered more than 100 genes involved in learning, memory, brain signaling and the immune system that are related to schizophrenia, reports Angel Zimm for Bloomberg News. “I’m hopeful these genetic results can point to a new understanding of the root cause of schizophrenia, and why all the symptoms emerge,” explains Steve McCarroll of the Broad Institute.