Genetic Markers of Human Evolution Are Enriched in Schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Why schizophrenia has accompanied humans throughout our history despite its negative effect on fitness remains an evolutionary enigma. It is proposed that schizophrenia is a by-product of the complex evolution of the human brain and a compromise for humans' language, creative thinking, and cognitive abilities.

Methods

We analyzed recent large genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia and a range of other human phenotypes (anthropometric measures, cardiovascular disease risk factors, immune-mediated diseases) using a statistical framework that draws on polygenic architecture and ancillary information on genetic variants. We used information from the evolutionary proxy measure called the Neanderthal selective sweep (NSS) score.

Results

Gene loci associ

SUBMITTER: Srinivasan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5397584 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature