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Polygenic risk scores cannot make their mark on psychiatry without considering epigenetics.

Diane Carol GoodingAnthony P Auger
Published in: The Behavioral and brain sciences (2023)
We generally agree with Burt's thesis. However, we note that the author did not discuss epigenetics, the study of how the environment can alter gene structure and function. Given epigenetic mechanisms, the utility of polygenic risk scores (PRS) is limited in studies of development and mental illness. Finally, in this commentary we expand upon the risks of reliance upon PRSs.
Keyphrases
  • mental illness
  • mental health
  • gene expression
  • human health
  • risk assessment