The Genetic Etiology of Tourette Syndrome

Large-Scale Collaborative Efforts on the Precipice of Discovery

Marianthi Georgitsi1,2, A. Jeremy Willsey3, Carol A. Mathews4, Matthew State3*, Jeremiah M. Scharf5* and Peristera Paschou1*

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by multiple motor and phonic tics. It has a complex etiology with multiple genes likely interacting with environmental factors to lead to the onset of symptoms. The genetic basis of the disorder remains elusive. However, multiple resources and large-scale projects are coming together, launching a new era in the field and bringing us on the verge of discovery. The large-scale efforts outlined in this report are complementary and represent a range of different approaches to the study of disorders with complex inheritance.