It is known from genetic linkage and gene expression studies that the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor gene is abnormally expressed in people with schizophrenia. The immediate objectives of this proposal support the long-term objectives of a comprehensive description of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and new drug treatments by carefully defining the physiological genotype-phenotype relationship for a single candidate gene. Subjects and family members with a mental illness or who appear to have a mental illness will be asked to undergo an interview, perform some mental tests and have a blood, urine, and saliva sample taken one time.
