Research targeting the genetic background of schizophrenia has expanded our knowledge substantially about genes and possible pathophysiological processes playing a role in the disorder. In addition to earlier approaches, new genetic methods have been developed which offer new insight. In this review we make an attempt to summarize the findings of earlier genetic research, as well as to interpret newly emerging results that help the development of pathophysiologically oriented models of schizophrenia. We argue that besides genetic research, findings on cognitive function and of imaging studies, as well as gene-expression analyses and pharmacogenetic studies must be interpreted to reach a better understanding of the complex phenomena in schizophrenia. Synthesis of data from the different areas allows speculation about future research and practical implications.