Can biological markers identify endophenotypes predisposing to schizophrenia?

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Abstract
Summary The application of molecular genetic techniques to schizophrenia has so far failed to identify susceptibility genes. This in part may be due to heterogeneity and misclassification of gene carriers. Biological markersanatomical, physiological or biochemical variables that correlate with the main trait of interest and serve to better define that trait or its underlying genetic mechanism-offer a potential solution to these problems. In this article, we review studies that have evaluated the use of the following to identify biological markers of schizophrenia: structural neuroimaging, neuropsychological deficits, neurological signs, eye tracking, eventrelated potentials, and minor physical anomalies. Then we discuss the early reports from the Maudsley Family Study, which is investigating a number of putative biological markers in families multiply affected with schizophrenia.