Understanding the risk and functional importance of schizophrenia genetic factors

This thesis investigated the role of genetics in schizophrenia. Particular schizophrenia risk genes were examined to determine their role in the development of specific schizophrenia symptoms. These genes were further studied to determine how they interact to cause schizophrenia symptoms. One important schizophrenia risk gene (BDNF) was studied in detail to determine its effect on gene expression and epigenetic changes in brains of schizophrenia individuals. This thesis has contributed to a better understanding of the role of genetics in the development of particular symptoms of schizophrenia. The results presented in this thesis may ultimately lead to more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment for schizophrenia leading to more effective treatments with less side-effects.