Mitochondria Dysfunction: Key to Understanding Schizophrenia

Impaired mitochondrial function has been identified as a key factor in the development of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with the genetic risk factor 3q29 deletion syndrome. This syndrome, which increases the risk of schizophrenia by 40 times, was found to exhibit alterations in mitochondrial activity in both mice models and human brain organoids. The study also highlights the role of disrupted mitochondrial function in another genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, the 22q11 deletion syndrome. These findings provide valuable insights into the neurobiology of schizophrenia and may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.