Genetic variation in the DAOA gene complex: impact on susceptibility for schizophrenia and on cognitive performance

The genetic region coding for d-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) is considered an intriguing susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. However, association studies have often resulted in conflicting findings, and the risk-conferring variants and their biological impact remain elusive. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between DAOA variation and schizophrenia, and the influence of DAOA on cognitive performance.

We analyzed block structure and association patterns of an approximately 173 kb region on chromosome 13q33, applying genotype data of 55 SNPs derived from Caucasian North American sample (178 cases, 144 healthy controls). Haplotypes were assigned using the program PHASE and frequencies compared between cases and controls. We applied MANOVA to investigate the relationship between the identified risk haplotype on cognitive performance.

We identified multiple haplotypes within the region containing the DAOA gene. Of these, one was significantly associated with schizophrenia, being over-represented in schizophrenia versus healthy controls. This haplotype was also associated with one aspect of cognitive performance, semantic fluency. Carriers of the risk haplotype showed better semantic fluency than non-carriers.

We report a significant effect of DAOA variation on risk for schizophrenia. Moreover, we identified a relationship between DAOA genetic variation and specific aspects of neurocognitive function. As the identified DAOA risk haplotype was associated with better performance on a semantic fluency measure, further work is required to identify the mechanism of DAOA action on CNS function, including the possibility of a role for balanced selection at this locus.