Genome wide association study on memory in schizophrenia patients and unaffected probands

Abstract

There is evidence for a strong genetic component in the etiology of schizophrenia, as demonstrated by family, twin and adoption studies. The risk of developing the disease increases with increased genetic relatedness to an individual suffering from the disorder. Furthermore, schizophrenic patients, and their unaffected relatives display alterations in brain function (intermediate phenotypes). We use complementary strategies to approach the pathobiology and genetics of schizophrenia including genetic association studies as well as animal and cell culture models. Furthermore, the use of schizophrenia-related intermediate phenotypes represents a complementary approach which has been used in this study. These comprise, among others, neuropsychological (e.g. working memory, attention/vigilance, verbal/visual learning and memory, speed of processing, and problem solving) intermediate phenotypes. We performed a genome-wide association study including 550 patients and 550 controls. The poster will present these new results with emphasis on memory parameteres.