MICRO RNAS AND THEIR METHODS OF USE FOR THE TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA AND SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS

摘要

A method of diagnosing, assessing susceptibility, and/or treating schizophrenia involving the identification and/or observation of microRNAs (miRNA) and variant miRNA are provided. Micro RNAs alleles associated with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were identified and ultra-rare variants in the precursor or mature miRNA were identified. Functional analyses of ectopically expressed copies of the variant miRNA precursors demonstrate loss of function, gain of function and altered expression levels. The present invention also provides methods for selecting a preferred therapy for a particular subject or group of subjects or individuals at risk for or suffering from schizophrenia or psychosis by use of miRNAs.