The term endophenotype refers to the measurable construct that bridges a gap between phenotype expression and genetic variability. This intermediate phenotype construct must meet four characteristics: the association with illness in the population, heritability, state-independent manifestation (expression of the phenotype regardless the illness activity) and co-segregation with illness in families. The endophenotype concept has gained particular attention in schizophrenia and mood disorders research contributing to the conceptualization of these psychiatric disorders beyond traditional classification systems. Consequently, a plethora of genetic, cognitive, behavioural and neuroimaging studies have provided a substantial number of endophenotypes that have improved our understanding of the complex and multidimensional nature of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
The aim of this research topic is to provide a forum of studies investigating endophenotypes in schizophrenia and mood disorders together with their various clinical and biological correlates. Studies exploring biochemical, behavioural, neurophysiological and neuroimaging endophynotypes for schizophrenia and mood disorders are welcomed. Review and hypothesis-based papers bringing new perspectives for endophenotypes research in schizophrenia and mood disorders will be also considered.
The term endophenotype refers to the measurable construct that bridges a gap between phenotype expression and genetic variability. This intermediate phenotype construct must meet four characteristics: the association with illness in the population, heritability, state-independent manifestation (expression of the phenotype regardless the illness activity) and co-segregation with illness in families. The endophenotype concept has gained particular attention in schizophrenia and mood disorders research contributing to the conceptualization of these psychiatric disorders beyond traditional classification systems. Consequently, a plethora of genetic, cognitive, behavioural and neuroimaging studies have provided a substantial number of endophenotypes that have improved our understanding of the complex and multidimensional nature of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
The aim of this research topic is to provide a forum of studies investigating endophenotypes in schizophrenia and mood disorders together with their various clinical and biological correlates. Studies exploring biochemical, behavioural, neurophysiological and neuroimaging endophynotypes for schizophrenia and mood disorders are welcomed. Review and hypothesis-based papers bringing new perspectives for endophenotypes research in schizophrenia and mood disorders will be also considered.
