Candidate and non-candidate genes in behavior genetics

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2013 Feb;23(1):57-61. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.07.005. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

Abstract

In this review we discuss recent developments in psychiatric genetics: on the one hand, studies using whole genome approaches (genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and exome sequencing) are coming close to finding genes and molecular variants that contribute to disease susceptibility; on the other candidate genes, such as the serotonin transporter, continue to dominate in genetic studies of brain imaging phenotypes and in protracted searches for gene by environment interactions. These two areas intersect, in that new information about genetic effects from whole genome approaches, should (but does not always) inform the single locus analyses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / genetics*