Scientists Pursue Biological Biomarkers for Earlier Intervention in Severe Mental Disorders

Schizophrenia is one of the most complex brain disorders, with significant impacts on both mental and physical health. To bridge the gap between foundational research and clinical application, the symposium "Schizophrenia: Synapses, Circuits, and Biomarkers" was held on October 27, 2025, at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shenzhen, China.

The event highlighted the critical role of biomarkers in understanding, diagnosing, and potentially preventing schizophrenia. Robert Desimone, director of the MIT McGovern Institute, explained that while schizophrenia is currently diagnosed based on psychological symptoms, the future lies in identifying measurable biological indicators.

He used a medical analogy: "If you're at risk for heart disease, that may be based on measurements of your cholesterol. Similarly, with reliable biomarkers, we could one day screen individuals—even children—for schizophrenia risk, enabling early intervention."

Steven Hyman of the Broad Institute emphasized that although genetics account for a major part of schizophrenia risk, they do not dictate fate. "Genes are not completely in control; environmental factors also play a role," he noted.

Steven Hyman added, at the Broad Institute, Harvard, and MIT, they are working to decipher the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia and identify objective biomarkers detectable in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. These could revolutionize diagnosis.

Throughout eight keynote presentations and a thematic discussion, researchers connected basic science with clinical practice, focusing on three key areas: animal models, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and molecular biomarkers. Progress in biomarker development is considered essential not only for early detection but also for improving patients' quality of life and reducing the societal burden of the disorder.

Yue Weihua of Peking University Sixth Hospital advocated for an integrated prevention strategy that addresses both biological and environmental dimensions. Yue stressed the importance of maintaining regular daily routines, obtaining adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising consistently. She also highlighted the value of building resilience and strengthening social support systems as essential components in reducing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.

Discussion of the international symposium. (Image by SIAT)