How can we obtain truly translational mouse models to improve clinical outcomes in schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting 0.7% of the world’s population. Despite over 50 years of schizophrenia drug identification and development, there have been no fundamental advances in the treatment of schizophrenia since the 1980s. Complex genetic aetiology and elusive pathomechanisms have made it difficult for researchers to develop models that sufficiently reflect pathophysiology to support effective drug discovery. However, recent large-scale, well-powered genomic studies have identified risk genes that represent tractable entry points to decipher disease mechanisms in heterogeneous patient populations and develop targeted treatments. Replicating schizophrenia-associated gene variants in mouse models is an important strategy to start understanding their pathogenicity and role in disease biology. Furthermore, longitudinal studies in a wide range of genetic mouse models from early postnatal life are required to assess the progression of this disease through developmental stages to improve early diagnostic strategies and enable preventative measures. By expanding and refining our approach to schizophrenia research, we can improve prevention strategies and treatment of this debilitating disease.