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Spatial fine-mapping for gene-by-environment effects identifies risk hot spots for schizophrenia

The spatial clustering of schizophrenia cases is well documented and found to be associated with urbanicity. However, despite there is substantial genetic component in the disease etiology, it is unclear the spatial clustering is related to gene by environment interaction (GxE) or not.

2019.02.28 | Annette Bang Rasmussen

Senior Postdoc, Chun Chieh Fan, Institute for Biological Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark

Senior Postdoc, Chun Chieh Fan, Institute for Biological Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark

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About the study

We used the iPSYCH case-cohort study to investigate the magnitude and the distribution of gene by environment interactions in schizophrenia. In particular, we developed a novel spatial mapping method to extract the environmental effects based on residential history. With this approach, we can gauge the effects of GxE and map the associated risks on the map.

The article ‘Spatial fine-mapping for gene-by-environment effects identifies risk hot spots for schizophrenia’ was published in Nature Communication, December 2018.

Facts about the study

  • We found that the locale of upbringing contributes substantially to the risk of schizophrenia
  • The GxE significantly modulate the risks of schizophrenia
  • The spatial mapping approach is a proof of concept that can have greater implications in other applications

Further information

Chun Chieh Fan, Senior Postdoc, Institute for Biological Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark, Email: c9fan@ucsd.edu

Research, Public/Media, iPSYCH, iPSYCH, Technical / administrative staff, Academic staff

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Revised 15.11.2022 - 
Annette Bang Rasmussen