Research Focus
Genetic polymorphisms play critical roles in schizophrenia, reshaping neurotransmitter balance and brain connectivity. For example, the MIR137 gene, which has a decisive role in the development of nerve cells and neurogenesis, is one of the important genetic variants associated with the disease. In addition, variants such as dopamine receptor genes (e.g. DRD2) and ZNF804A shed light on the basic mechanisms of schizophrenia at the molecular level. In the drug metabolism dimension, CYP450 enzyme variants (CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP3A4) play a decisive role in the variation of the response to antipsychotic treatments from person to person.
The Schizophrenia Working Group, which operates within the Center for Personalized Treatment (KİMER), continues its work with an innovative vision aiming to analyze the genetic and pharmacogenetic basis of schizophrenia. This group focuses on the following objectives with the aim of developing individualized treatment strategies:
Schizophrenia Working Group Goals
- Pharmacogenetic Perspective: In-depth study of the impact of genetic markers on the response to medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
- Genetic Predisposition: Creating models that can provide risk prediction by investigating the interaction of polymorphisms that predispose to schizophrenia.
- Clinical Applications: To develop genetic-based personalized treatment panels that can be used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
These focal points have both scientific and clinical potential for individualized treatment of schizophrenia. By integrating genetic data into clinical practice, the working group aims to develop strategies that optimize each individual's response to treatment.