Endogenous Retroviruses and Human Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Schizophrenia and related disorders are devastating human neuropsychiatric disorders of complex etiology. Epidemiological and family studies indicate both genetic and environmental contributions to disease etiology.We propose that the altered expression of endogenous retroviruses such asHERV-Wcontribute to somecases of schizophrenia. We present both theoretical considerations and experimental evidence supporting this association. The further study of endogenous retroviral expression within the central nervous system might lead to new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.