Researchers from a major United States university have identified that more than a thousand genes may play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Among these, variants linked to the regulation of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) appear to contribute to cognitive difficulties, including problems with attention, memory, and overall thinking. These cognitive challenges are not easily reversed with current medications, as reported in contemporary studies in molecular psychiatry.
In the study, scientists examined the DNA of 205 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 115 healthy controls. Participants underwent cognitive assessments and functional brain imaging to observe how different brain regions interact during mental tasks. This approach helped researchers connect genetic differences to functional brain changes and cognitive performance.
The investigators identified more than a thousand genes associated with schizophrenia and found that they influence four key neurotransmitter systems: dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells and are essential for normal brain communication.
Findings indicate that genetic variants affecting glutamate- and GABA-related pathways more commonly manifest as deficits in cognitive control, attention, memory, and executive function. The researchers noted that most antipsychotic medications in use today primarily aim to balance dopamine activity and are effective for reducing hallucinations and delusions. However, these drugs struggle to restore cognitive abilities, underscoring a gap in the current treatment landscape.
The authors suggest that unraveling how cognitive symptoms arise in schizophrenia could guide the development of new therapeutic options. Early genetic screening of patients might also streamline diagnosis and reduce delays or misdirected treatments, enabling more timely and targeted care.
Previous work in neuroscience has explored common biological mechanisms that connect schizophrenia with aging, highlighting ongoing research interests in how brain changes unfold across a person’s life.