A landmark study spearheaded by researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs has unveiled groundbreaking genetic insights into schizophrenia by examining data from ancestrally diverse populations. This research, conducted through the Million Veteran Program (MVP) and Cooperative Studies Program (CSP), identified over 100 ancestry-independent genomic regions that influence schizophrenia risk, highlighting a shared biological basis for the disorder across different populations.
The findings, which address a long-standing gap in psychiatric genetics, offer a more inclusive understanding of the biological underpinnings of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition affecting millions globally. While it is known to be highly heritable and polygenic, previous genetic research has predominantly focused on individuals of European ancestry, limiting the applicability of findings to other populations and potentially exacerbating health disparities.
Expanding the Genetic Landscape of Schizophrenia
The new study utilized MVP’s extensive genomic and electronic health record data, alongside CSP #572 and other cohorts, to investigate schizophrenia genetics in populations of African ancestry. Researchers analyzed data from over 13,500 individuals with schizophrenia and 65,000 controls of African ancestry. This analysis led to the identification of novel genetic associations unique to these populations, while also confirming that many known risk factors are applicable across different ancestries.
Significantly, the study uncovered ancestry-specific signals that could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. According to Dr. Panos Roussos, the senior author and VA investigator with the James J. Peters VA Medical Center and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,
“This research represents a critical step toward ensuring that advances in precision medicine benefit all populations. By including diverse genetic backgrounds, we can better understand schizophrenia’s biology and improve care for historically underrepresented groups.”
Integrating Diverse Populations for a Comprehensive Analysis
The study also incorporated findings from European and East Asian populations, resulting in one of the largest cross-ancestry analyses of schizophrenia to date, encompassing 95,000 cases and nearly 900,000 controls worldwide. These results emphasize the shared biological foundation of schizophrenia across populations while highlighting unique genetic variations in African ancestry groups.
The Million Veteran Program, one of the world’s largest genomic databases with over one million U.S. veterans enrolled, plays a pivotal role in this research. Its diversity allows scientists to explore genetic factors linked to health conditions across multiple ancestries, thereby helping to reduce inequities in medical research.
Implications for Future Research and Treatment
This study not only broadens the global relevance of schizophrenia genetics but also underscores the importance of diversity in biomedical research. The findings pave the way for future studies that will build on this work to refine risk prediction and guide personalized treatment approaches.
Published in the journal Nature on January 21, 2026, the research highlights the necessity of inclusive genetic studies to ensure that medical advancements are equitable and beneficial to all demographic groups. As the field of precision medicine continues to evolve, the integration of diverse genetic data will be crucial in developing effective interventions for complex disorders like schizophrenia.
