Emerging technologies for large-scale screening of human tissues and fluids in the study of severe psychiatric disease

Neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are ma jor causes of morbidity throughout the world. Despite extensive searches, n o single gene, RNA transcript, or protein has been found which can, on its own, account for these disorders. Recently, the availability of genomic too ls such as cDNA microarrays, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and large-scale sequencing of cDNA libraries has allowed researchers to assay b iological samples for a large number of RNA transcripts. Similarly, proteom ic tools allow for the quantitation of a large number of peptides and prote ins. These methods include two-dimensional electrophoresis and surface-enha nced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI). We have initiated experiments whi ch apply these techniques to the comparison of RNAs and proteins expressed in clinical samples obtained from individuals with psychiatric diseases and controls. These methods have the potential to identify pathways that are i nvolved in the pathogenesis of complex psychiatric disorders. The character ization of these pathways may allow for the development of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other h uman psychiatric diseases.