What is the Genetic Overlap Between Autism and Schizophrenia? with Peter Penzes, PhD

What is the Genetic Overlap Between Autism and Schizophrenia? with Peter Penzes, PhD

June 8, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Peter Penzes discusses the genetic overlap between autism and schizophrenia, highlighting recent discoveries in biomarkers and advancements in neurodevelopmental research.

In this episode, Peter Penzes, PhD, director of the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, discusses a recent discovery of a schizophrenia biomarker and how this research could one day offer earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment, and better outcomes for patients. Learn more about how the field of neurodevelopmental research has evolved over the past decade with major advances in genetics, brain imaging and laboratory models. Large genomic studies have uncovered many more genes associated with risk of developing autism, schizophrenia and related conditions, while new technologies, including brain organoids grown from patients' stem cells, are giving scientists new insight into how these disorders develop and affect brain function.

People in this episode

Host: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Guests: Peter Penzes, PhD, Peter Penzes

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

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