Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Schizotypal Cognition

Genetically-based risk for schizophrenia, a highly polygenic condition, may contribute to a continuum of schizophrenia-related phenotypes between clinical populations and healthy populations. Using data from the literature as well as novel genotype and methylation data, I present evidence that schizophrenia risk alleles influence cognition in non-clinical populations, both individually, and together. Additionally, I find evidence that these alleles may be maintained across evolutionary time due to benefits in terms of enhanced performance in particular cognitive domains. Further, I demonstrate effects of genetic and epigenetic variation in the imprinted gene LRRTM1 on schizotypy and handedness. These results demonstrate that schizophrenia risk alleles influence not only increased disease risk but are also associated with cognitive performance and schizotypal traits in the general population.