CNV studies have directly implicated specific genes in psychiatric disease. This presents new challenges and new opportunities for the development of novel drugs. In particular, there could soon be numerous new therapeutic targets to examine. Rare subtypes of autism have spawned investigations into therapeutic mechanisms, such as the use of mGluR5 antagonists in fragile-X syndrome (Krueger and Bear, 2011). One new drug target recently identified in schizophrenia is the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor-2 (VIPR2). Rare microduplications of VIPR2 are significantly associated with schizophrenia (Vacic et al., 2011). The VIPR2 gene encodes a class-II G-protein coupled receptor VPAC2. Disease associated variants result in overexpression of VIPR2 and increased cyclic-AMP accumulation (Vacic et al., 2011). VIPR2 has several important roles in regulating neurodevelopment and behavior (Chaudhury et al., 2008; Harmar et al., 2002; Waschek, 1995). The over expression of this receptor could have a direct relationship to the pathogenic mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. These results also suggest that a selective antagonist of VPAC2 could have therapeutic value in the treatment of schizophrenia.
