Applications of single-cell sequencing in schizophrenia research

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a highly heritable, severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by complex genetic architecture and heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Despite decades of research, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain incompletely elucidated, which significantly hinders the development of effective preventive strategies and complicates treatment approaches. This comprehensive review systematically examines the emerging application of cutting-edge single-cell sequencing technologies in SCZ research. Single-cell sequencing serves as an unprecedented high-resolution molecular microscope, providing researchers with the remarkable ability to distinguish and characterize the minute individual cellular and molecular components that constitute the extraordinarily complex SCZ "puzzle". The systematic integration of these diverse molecular fragments into a unified, coherent pathophysiological framework holds tremendous promise for yielding transformative research advancements that could fundamentally alter our approach to SCZ diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.