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TGFBR2 gene expression and genetic association with schizophrenia

Shusuke Numata1, Shu-ichi Ueno, Jun-ichi Iga

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Course of Integrated Brain Sciences, Medical Informatics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-8-15 Kuramoto-cho Tokushima 770-8503, Japan. snumata@clin.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The TGFBR2 gene is not linked to schizophrenia. However, TGFBR2 mRNA levels in leukocytes may serve as a potential state marker for schizophrenia, decreasing with antipsychotic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The TGFBR2 gene, a tumor suppressor, is located at chromosome 3p22 and has been implicated in schizophrenia susceptibility.
  • Previous studies suggest a link between tumor suppressor genes and schizophrenia, noting reduced cancer incidence in schizophrenic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the TGFBR2 gene and schizophrenia.
  • To determine if TGFBR2 mRNA expression levels in peripheral leukocytes can serve as a biomarker for schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure TGFBR2 mRNA expression in leukocytes from medication-free schizophrenic patients, major depressive patients, and controls.
  • TGFBR2 mRNA levels were also monitored in schizophrenic patients after antipsychotic treatment.
  • Genetic analysis using 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype analysis was performed on Japanese subjects.

Main Results:

  • TGFBR2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in medication-free schizophrenic patients compared to controls.
  • Antipsychotic treatment led to a decrease in TGFBR2 mRNA levels in schizophrenic patients, nearing control levels.
  • No significant difference in TGFBR2 mRNA levels was observed in patients with major depressive disorder compared to controls.
  • Genetic studies found no association between TGFBR2 gene SNPs or haplotypes and schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

  • The TGFBR2 gene itself is not directly linked to schizophrenia susceptibility.
  • TGFBR2 mRNA expression levels in peripheral leukocytes may function as a potential state marker for schizophrenia.
  • The findings suggest a dynamic regulation of TGFBR2 expression in schizophrenia, responsive to antipsychotic treatment.

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