ly, twin, and adoption studies, showing that schizophrenia has a genetic component. It signals real scientific progress and an ever-increasing understanding of the biology of this severely disabling brain disorder. These findings, while strong, do not eradicate the complexities of schizophrenia genetics. A specific gene on chromosome 6 has not been identified. Three studies found in an issue of Nature Genetics failed to detect any linkage between the region of chromosome 6 found by the other research groups and schizophrenia. In one of the studies, which positively identified chromosome 6, four other chromosomal regions were identified as well. Another recent discovery in genes has made headlines in the schizophrenic community. The mutated gene believed to be associated with schizophrenia falls into the same class of mutations as recently discovered genes linked to Huntington’s disease, Fragile X syndrome, and several other brain disorders. This gene, combined with other environmental factors, is only one of several which can produce such disorders. Located in a narrow region of chromosome 22, the gene is found where researchers already believe was the whereabouts of a schizophrenia gene.So, complications and complexities of schizophrenia genetics still exist. Further study will be required to reconfirm the chromosome 6 location as well as other chromosome locations involved in schizophrenia and to identity specific genes in this brain disorder. But for all of the complexities, scientists have produced the best data to date showing a linkage between a chromosome region and schizophrenia. The odds of developing schizophrenia are usually 1 in 100. If a relative has schizophrenia, the odds are 1 in 10. If both parents have it, the odds become 2 in 5. If an identical twin has schizophrenia, the odds jump to 1 in 2. Schizophrenia generally occurs between the ages of five and fifty-five, but is more common at younger ages in males. The ...
