• Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) were conducted to analyze HERV(Human Endogenous Retroviruses) expression, and RNA sequencing and genetic data from 792 post-mortem brain samples were utilized.

• The major focus was on precise genomic locations of HERV expression.

• The main findings of the study include:
  1. 1238 HERVs were identified in Europeans, and 26 were associated with psychotic disorders.

• Of these, two signatures were specific to the risk of schizophrenia, one for major depressive illness and 2 for shared risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
  2. No significant HERV expression signatures were found for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder among Europeans.

• Overall, the study suggested the potential for further exploration of neurological HERV expression in understanding complex neuropsychiatric traits.

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