In a new study, researchers conduct the first genetic analysis of schizophrenia in an ancestral African population, the South African Xhosa.
The research was conducted by an international group of scientists, including Columbia University and elsewhere.
The study was carried out in the Xhosa population because Africa is the birthplace of all humans, yet ancestral African populations have rarely been the focus of genetics research. (There is no evidence that the Xhosa have an unusually high risk of schizophrenia).
The researchers analyzed blood samples collected from 909 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 917 controls living in South Africa.
Their study revealed that people with schizophrenia are much more likely to carry rare, damaging genetic mutations compared to people without schizophrenia.
These rare mutations were also more likely to affect the brain and synaptic function.
Synapses coordinate the communication between brain nerve cells called neurons; the organization and firing of neuronal synapses are ultimately responsible for learning, memory, and brain function.
The genes and pathways identified by this research inform the understanding of schizophrenia for all human populations.
Further studies in African populations might also suggest potential mechanisms for the design of more effective treatments.
The team says the presence of only a few DNA variations damaging to synaptic function could have an outsized effect on schizophrenia.
While these variants differ from person to person, the researchers believe they may disrupt neural pathways that elevate the risk for schizophrenia.
The relative lack of genetics studies in Africa leaves a major gap in understanding human genetics.
Almost 99% of human evolution took place in Africa after the first modern humans originated and before humans migrated from Africa to Europe and Asia 50,000 to 100,000 years ago.
Because of the lack of studies in Africa, many generations of human genetic history are missing from our understanding of human adaptation and human disease.
Studies of ancestral African populations like the Xhosa have more diverse background DNA, which facilitates the identification of truly rare mutations.
The lead author of the study is Ezra Susser, MD, DrPH, professor of epidemiology and psychiatry.
The study is published in the journal Science.
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