Dear Brian,

I am psychiatric epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. My research over the past 20 years has been devoted to understanding the biological causes of schizophrenia. I think that you are doing a wonderful service with your newsletters; I have recommended it to many of the patients and their relatives participating in our research.

Over the past 10 years, we have been focusing on trying to identify the genes associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia. Our group has made several important contributions to the field including the identification of two chromosomal regions (22q11-13 and 8p) which in all likelihood has genes associated with schizophrenia. Both of these regions have now been implicated by large collaborative international efforts.

In each of the regions there are over 100 genes. We have before us the enormous task of narrowing the regions and identifying the specific genes. One factor that is limiting the research, is the participation of families. We need to identify additional families where there are at least 2 siblings affected and at least one parent living. Their participation would consist of allowing us to interview them and take a small blood. We travel nationally to see people. Individuals who participate are given a small honorarium.

Can you help us get the word out. Please post .

Thanks,

Ann E. Pulver Sc.D

Families may be referred by a clinician or may contact us directly. Clinicians who know of families that may be eligible can contribute to this research by talking to patients and/or their relatives. If you would like to help or know more visist our website at http://www.med.jhu.edu/gene_epi/flyer.html

or contact us toll free at 1-888-289-4095. You can also send email to: gullrich@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu