Tesra Diaz, Mathew Hart, and Evelyn Joy
There is little room for doubt regarding the transformative impact of genetics on our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying brain disorders. In the past twenty years, there has been remarkable advancement in achieving precise molecular diagnoses and expanding our knowledge about the genes and pathways implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric conditions. Similarly, novel techniques and analytical methodologies, such as genome array studies and "next-generation" sequencing technologies, are providing deeper insights into the intricate genetic framework that dictates our susceptibility to these disorders. As we endeavor to translate these revelations into clinical applications, a significant hurdle facing the field is the need to bridge the gap between genetic discoveries and their biological implications. In this overview of Neuron's special review edition on neurogenetics, we reflect upon the progress achieved during the preceding two decades and underscore the challenges and promising prospects that lie ahead.