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Advances in the Genetic Research on Psychiatric Disorders

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 1536

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
Interests: genotyping; molecular genetics; thoracic diseases; psychiatric disorders
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this Special Issue on “Advances in the Genetic Research on Psychiatric Disorders”. It aims to highlight the latest groundbreaking research and developments in the field of psychiatric genetics. As the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders continues to evolve, this Special Issue serves as a platform for showcasing innovative studies, methodologies, and findings that push the boundaries of current knowledge.

Psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and autism spectrum disorders, present significant challenges due to their complex etiology and multifactorial nature. Genetic research has become a pivotal area of study, offering insights into the biological mechanisms and pathways involved in these conditions. This Special Issue brings together contributions from leading researchers and practitioners who are advancing the field through cutting-edge genomic technologies, bioinformatic approaches, and integrative analyses.

Authors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that explore various aspects of genetic research in psychiatric disorders. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, gene-environment interactions, epigenetic modifications, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), next-generation sequencing, and the identification of novel genetic variants. Additionally, studies that investigate the translation of genetic findings into clinical practice, personalized medicine, and therapeutic interventions are highly encouraged. 

This Special Issue aims to foster a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders and to inspire future research endeavors. By disseminating the latest advancements, we hope to contribute to the development of more effective diagnostic tools and treatments, ultimately improving the lives of individuals affected by these challenging conditions. We look forward to your valuable contributions and to advancing the frontiers of psychiatric genetic research together. 

Dr. Lawrence Shih-Hsin Wu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • genetics
  • bipolar disorder
  • schizophrenia
  • major depressive disorder
  • autism
  • substance abuse
  • genomics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 265 KB  
Article
The 7-Repeat (7R) Variant of the DRD4 Gene and Ways of Coping with Stress in Medical Professionals—A Preliminary Study
by Katarzyna Bliźniewska-Kowalska, Piotr Gałecki, Piotr Czarny, Janusz Szemraj, Łukasz Kołodziej and Małgorzata Gałecka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178653 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 826
Abstract
How we deal with stress and certain traits of our personality can be influenced not only by psycho-social factors, but also by biological factors, including genetics. Research studies suggest that the long allele of the DRD4 gene (DRD4-7R) is associated with [...] Read more.
How we deal with stress and certain traits of our personality can be influenced not only by psycho-social factors, but also by biological factors, including genetics. Research studies suggest that the long allele of the DRD4 gene (DRD4-7R) is associated with novelty seeking and risk taking—features potentially important for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the DRD4-7R polymorphism and its impact on propensity for risk taking and ways of coping with stress in medical professionals This preliminary study involved 82 volunteers from among active healthcare professionals, including 33 medical doctors (MDs). All participants were asked to fill out psychological questionnaires for assessment of their stress-coping strategies (Mini-COPE) and risk-taking propensity (IVE). A swab of the inside of the cheek was taken from the study participants to determine the polymorphism within the gene for the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4). In our study, medical doctors (MDs) tend to have the DRD4-7R allele more often than other medical professionals. Our study also indicates that DRD4-R7 allele carriers are significantly less likely to use stimulants and other substances to help themselves with stress coping and less likely to expect emotional support. The DRD4 gene polymorphism may be important for the development of specific personality traits and ways of coping with stress. However, further research with larger numbers of participants is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Genetic Research on Psychiatric Disorders)
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