One approach to describing the convergence between the datasets, presented above, relies on the overall convergence between the results obtained in each study. A different approach focuses on convergence of data concerning specific genes and classes of genes, especially when most are expressed in the brain. Many of the genes that we identify in this analysis of convergent genome wide association findings are involved in “cell adhesion” processes whereby neurons recognize and respond to features of their environments that are important for establishing and maintaining proper connections (Table I). Others are involved in enzymatic activities, protein translation, trafficking and degradation; transcriptional regulation, receptor, ion channel and transport processes, disease processes and cell structures. A subset of this latter group is of especial interest since they represent classically “druggable” targets for potential small molecule therapeutics (Table II).
