Integrating CRISPR functional genomics with admixture-aware psychotropic pharmacogenetics in Brazil

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Authors: Brenda Bassan Rodrigues, Jasmine Coura Bittencourt, Vitória Gorga Machado dos Santos, Carlos André da Veiga Lima-Rosa Costamilan, Marcos Edgar Herkenhoff
Cited by: 1
References: 83

Abstract

Variability in the clinical response to psychotropic drugs remains a major barrier to effective psychiatric care. Pharmacogenetics offers a powerful framework for individualizing antidepressant and antipsychotic therapy, yet its implementation is complicated in genetically diverse populations. In Brazil, centuries of admixture among European, African, and Indigenous peoples have created a highly heterogeneous genomic landscape that limits the direct applicability of international pharmacogenetic guidelines. This review synthesizes evidence on ancestry-dependent allele frequencies, regional genetic gradients, and their clinical implications for psychotropic prescribing. It further discusses how integrating CRISPR functional genomics with admixture-aware psychiatry can experimentally validate population-specific variants, refine metabolizer phenotype classification, and support the development of ancestry-informed therapeutic guidelines. By combining genome editing, pharmacogenomic profiling, and regional admixture data, this integrative approach can improve dose prediction, reduce adverse drug reactions, and promote health equity. Ultimately, the convergence of pharmacogenetics, functional genomics, and precision medicine initiatives positions Brazil as a global model for equitable, ancestry-aware psychopharmacology.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pharmacogenetics and Drug Metabolism Genetic Associations and Epidemiology Race Genetics and Society

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
17
Pages
1730641–1730641
Publication date
4 June 2026
Language
EN