A Brief Introduction to Genomics and Single-cell Analysis for Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia, represent significant global healthcare challenges. Addressing these issues requires the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies grounded in a deeper understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms. Although the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders is believed to be rooted in the brain, direct access to the living human brain remains a major limitation. Researchers are actively exploring alternative methods to overcome this challenge. This review examines recent advancements in genomic studies and single-cell RNA sequencing of postmortem brain tissue as promising approaches for understanding psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on BD. Additionally, the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a future extension of genomic research is discussed. By integrating clinical genomic data with cell-type-specific expression profiles, it is possible to identify the specific cell types and brain regions implicated in psychiatric disorders. Further cellular analyses, coupled with drug screening using organoids or neuronal models, hold promise for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Coordinated efforts across these areas will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic opportunities.