New studies explore origins of psychiatric diseases

(VACCARINO LAB)

The genetic roots of psychiatric diseases are notoriously difficult to unravel — but a sweeping new set of studies on the molecular underpinnings of schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder make a dent in that mystery. The 10 studies are the product of a unique, nationwide collaboration known as the PsychENCODE Consortium. The foundation of the work: a sample of roughly 2,000 post-mortem brains. Researchers who aren’t a part of the consortium can now tap into the data from that sample and start asking other questions about brain development, genetics, and psychiatric disease. “It’s a huge resource for the community,” Lilia Iakoucheva, a consortium member, tells me.