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Positive association between synapsin II and schizophrenia
Qi Chen1, Guang He, Xiao Yan Wang
1Bio-X Life Science Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Biological Psychiatry
|July 24, 2004
Summary
Genetic variations in the synapsin II gene are associated with schizophrenia. This study found specific markers in synapsin II are more common in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting its role in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Synapsin II is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein involved in synaptic vesicle regulation.
- Reduced expression of synapsin II is observed in schizophrenia patients' brains.
- The synapsin II gene's location on chromosome 3p25 links it to schizophrenia susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between synapsin II gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.
- To explore the potential role of synapsin II in the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of four synapsin II markers (two SNPs, two indel polymorphisms) in 654 schizophrenia patients and 628 controls.
- Analysis of allele and haplotype frequencies to identify significant differences between groups.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in allele frequency for SNP rs795009 (p =.000018), with the T allele more prevalent in schizophrenia patients.
- Significant differences in overall haplotype frequencies between patients and control subjects (p <.000001).
Conclusions:
- Synapsin II is positively associated with schizophrenia.
- These findings suggest synapsin II plays a role in the etiology of schizophrenia.