Advancing Understanding of Molecular Brain Changes in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Research shows clear differences in protein profiles in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia compared with healthy individuals. The findings in Andreas Göteson’s award-winning thesis increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders and may eventually contribute to new biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Can you briefly describe what your thesis is about?
“We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from patients with various psychiatric disorders, primarily bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and compared protein concentrations with those of healthy controls. Thanks to national collaborations, we had the opportunity to analyze relatively large sample sets. The aim was to identify biomarkers for disease and different outcomes, such as prognosis or treatment response.”
What are the main findings of the thesis?
“It is quite rare to analyze cerebrospinal fluid in these conditions, and our studies are among the first of their kind to both include larger patient cohorts and use newer molecular biology techniques. In many ways, we had no idea what to expect when we conducted the first analyses.”
“One of our main findings is the characterization of the ‘protein profile’ in cerebrospinal fluid associated with these disorders. We can clearly show that it differs from healthy controls, with results replicated across several cohorts, and is primarily characterized by lower concentrations of synaptic proteins. The biomarkers also seem to reflect a spectrum of illness severity, where individuals with milder illness resemble controls more closely, while those with chronic and severe functional impairments display abnormal protein profiles. We have also identified specific biomarker candidates that we hope can be validated in future studies.”
Could the findings form the basis for developments in clinical practice?
“Yes, although we are still at an early stage and clinical application is unfortunately still some way off. However, the direction is very clear.
“If we can establish clinically useful biomarkers that reflect underlying disease processes, they could help refine diagnostics and open up a wide range of possibilities within precision medicine that are currently not feasible.
“For example, biomarkers are often used in modern drug trials, both for participant inclusion and as outcome measures. In addition, biomarkers that provide early prognostic information could be clinically useful even without new treatment options.”
Is there anything from your PhD period that you would like to share?
“I have a medical degree and now work clinically, however, at the beginning of my doctoral studies, I paused all clinical work to focus on research. It has cost me somewhat in terms of salary progression, for example, but it gave me the opportunity to better understand the more technical aspects of research.
“Many of the methods we used would have been too advanced for me if I had not dedicated enough time to them. There are many clinically active doctoral students at the Sahlgrenska Academy, and I recommend trying to set aside at least one longer period of full-time research.”
You have been awarded Thesis of the Year 2025 at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology. How does that feel?
“It feels wonderful to be recognized for work that has involved a great deal of time and commitment, not only from me but also from many colleagues. And considering how many talented researchers defend their theses at the department, I am honored to receive the award.”
In its motivation, the evaluation committee highlights that the thesis stands out through its originality, depth, and clinical relevance. The work combines fundamental molecular biology with clinically meaningful insights through an integrated analysis of epigenetic, immune, and proteomic changes. Taken as a whole, the thesis provides new knowledge about biomarkers, mechanistic insights, and potential therapeutic pathways, making it an innovative and high-quality doctoral dissertation.
The thesis consists of five papers, three of which have been published in leading international journals, underscoring the high quality and impact of the work. Andreas is the first author on four of the papers, demonstrating independence.
Thesis: Cerebrospinal fluid studies of major psychiatric disorders
The Thesis of the Year award is presented to seven dissertations at the Sahlgrenska Academy—one from each Institute and one faculty-wide award. The award is funded by the Dr Arnt Vestby Research Foundation.