Schizophrenia: A review of potential biomarkers Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim a , Tania Rivera-Baltan  as a , Marta L  opez a , Carlos Spuch b , Jose M. Olivares a , Roberto C. Agís-Balboa a, * a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM, Spain b Neurology Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM, Spain article info Article history: Received 10 February 2017 Received in revised form 10 May 2017 Accepted 22 May 2017 abstract Objectives: Understanding the biological process and progression of schizophrenia is the first step to developing novel approaches and new interventions. Research on new biomarkers is extremely impor- tant when the goal is an early diagnosis (prediction) and precise theranostics. The objective of this re- view is to understand the research on biomarkers and their effects in schizophrenia to synthesize the role of these new advances. Methods: In this review, we search and review publications in databases in accordance with established limits and specific objectives. We look at particular endpoints such as the category of biomarkers, lab- oratory techniques and the results/conclusions of the selected publications. Results: The investigation of biomarkers and their potential as a predictor, diagnosis instrument and therapeutic orientation, requires an appropriate methodological strategy. In this review, we found different laboratory techniques to identify biomarkers and their function in schizophrenia. Conclusion: The consolidation of this information will provide a large-scale application network of schizophrenia biomarkers. © 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Contents 1. General overview ................................................................................................................... 38 2. Biomarker characterization .......................................................................................................... 38 3. Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 38 4. Results ............................................................................................................................ 39 5. Category of biomarkers in schizophrenia .............................................................................................. 39 5.1. Neuroimaging biomarkers ..................................................................................................... 39 5.2. Genetic biomarkers ............................................................................................................ 40 5.3. Epigenetic biomarkers ......................................................................................................... 40 5.4. Protein biomarkers ........................................................................................................... 43 5.5. Metabolic biomarkers .......................................................................................................... 44 5.6. Other categories of biomarkers ................................................................................................. 44 6. Analytical tools for biomarker investigation ................................................. .......................................... 44 7. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 44 8. Perspectives and Road Map to develop biomarkers ..................................................................................... 44 Conflict of interest ............................................................. .................................................... 46 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................. 46 References ......................................................................................................................... 46 * Corresponding author. Galicia Sur Health Research Institute e IISGS, Hospital  Alvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque T ecnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigaci on, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain. E-mail address: roberto.carlos.agis.balboa@sergas.es (R.C. Agís-Balboa). Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Psychiatric Research journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/psychires http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.05.009 0022-3956/© 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Journal of Psychiatric Research 93 (2017) 37e49