The daunting polygenicity of mental illness: making a new map. (19th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hyman, Steven E.
• Is Part Of: Philosophical transactions. Volume 373:Number 1742(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-19
• Subjects: polygenic -- schizophrenia -- autism spectrum -- brain organoid; Biology -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8436

Abstract

Abstract : An epochal opportunity to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders has emerged from advances in genomic technology, new computational tools and the growth of international consortia committed to data sharing. The resulting large-scale, unbiased genetic studies have begun to yield new biological insights and with them the hope that a half century of stasis in psychiatric therapeutics will come to an end. Yet a sobering picture is coming into view; it reveals daunting genetic and phenotypic complexity portending enormous challenges for neurobiology. Successful exploitation of results from genetics will require eschewal of long-successful reductionist approaches to investigation of gene function, a commitment to supplanting much research now conducted in model organisms with human biology, and development of new experimental systems and computational models to analyse polygenic causal influences. In short, psychiatric neuroscience must develop a new scientific map to guide investigation through a polygenic terra incognita . This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists'.