A team from Cardiff University in the UK conducted the largest exome sequencing study on schizophrenia to date, identifying 8 new risk genes associated with schizophrenia. This discovery provides important clues to reveal the neurobiological mechanisms of the disease and is expected to open up new paths for future drug development. The team integrated and analyzed genetic data from 28898 patients, 103041 healthy controls, and 3444 affected families, with a focus on detecting rare protein coding gene mutations unique to the patient population. The results showed that STAG1 and ZNF136 genes were significantly associated with schizophrenia; Six genes, including SLC6A1, KLC1, PCLO, ZMYND11, BSCL2, and CGREF1, also showed moderate correlation. It is worth noting that SLC6A1 and KLC1 have become the first genes to be associated with schizophrenia solely through "missense mutations" (i.e. specific mutations that alter protein amino acid sequences). This discovery suggests that communication disorders between brain cells dependent on GABA neurotransmitters, as well as abnormalities in intracellular DNA spatial organization, may be important pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia. The study also revealed genetic similarities between schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The team stated that these genes are like key pieces in a puzzle, allowing them to see the complex contours of the genetic network of schizophrenia. (New Society)