Genetics and Environmental Factors in Psychiatric Disorders
A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Genes & Environments".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2026 | Viewed by 23
Special Issue Editor
Interests: genetics; polygenic risk scores; psychosis; stress-related disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue, entitled “Genetics and Environmental Factors in Psychiatric Disorders”, aims to explore the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of psychiatric conditions. Currently, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have uncovered hundreds of loci linked to disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and polygenic risk scores (PGSs) are helping quantify cumulative genetic liability. Yet, a large proportion of heritability remains unexplained and must be contextualized within environmental exposures. Growing evidence supports a role for gene–environment (GxE) interactions. Indeed, genetic susceptibility may amplify the effects of certain environmental risk factors such as cannabis, and others, like early-life adversity, may alter gene expression through epigenetic modifications.
In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews on various aspects of the genetics of psychiatric disorders and their combination with environmental factors.
Dr. Sarah Tosato
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- PGS
- environmental factors
- epigenetics
- prenatal environmental exposures
- GWAS
- GxE interactions
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