Background: Genetic studies have found large numbers of genetic risk variants that increase the risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders.
Aim: We aim to explain how to investigate the effects of these genetic risk variants on the expression of genes and whether this plays a potential role in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Method: We describe the main findings of a study that we recently performed to study the association between genetic risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders and gene expression in microglia, the immune cells of the brain.
Results: Part of the risk variants for neuropsychiatric disorders could be related to gene expression in microglia. These <br />associations were particularly strong for neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusion: Our study provided more insight into how genetic risk to neuropsychiatric disorders is related to gene expression in microglia. These findings show suggestions for potential new treatment options.