Grant: Operating Grant

Schizophrenia is a serious and costly illness that affects many families in Canada and elsewhere. Genetic factors have shown the strongest evidence for increasing risk for schizophrenia. However, as for other common illnesses like diabetes or breast cancer, the genetics of schizophrenia are complex. We have been studying schizophrenia in Canadian families for many years. We have found some genetic changes that are associated with schizophrenia but do not always cause this serious disease. In this study we will use the most advanced methods possible to investigate genetic changes in Canadian patients with schizophrenia. We will also look for these changes in their close relatives who do not have schizophrenia. We will study changes in genes that are likely to play a role in increasing risk for schizophrenia. Identifying genetic changes that belong to specific brain pathways associated with schizophrenia will help us reach a new understanding of the brain mechanisms that lead to the illness. This is an important step towards being able to develop better treatments. As has been the case for other illnesses, we also look forward to these discoveries helping to decrease the stigma that is attached to this serious illness.