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Functional polymorphism of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene in schizophrenia

Janusz K Rybakowski1, Maria Skibinska, Pawel Kapelski

  • 1Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. rybakows@wlkp.top.pl

Schizophrenia Research
|March 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene may be linked to schizophrenia. Researchers found a higher prevalence of the MMP-9 C/C genotype and C allele in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in various pathological conditions, including cancer and heart disease.
  • Recent studies suggest MMP-9 plays a role in prefrontal cortex activity, a brain region implicated in schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential association between the MMP-9 gene and schizophrenia.
  • To examine the functional -1562C/T polymorphism of the MMP-9 gene in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of the MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism.
  • Case-control study comparing 442 schizophrenia patients with 558 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant higher frequency of the C/C genotype and the C allele of the MMP-9 gene was observed in schizophrenia patients compared to the control group.
  • This finding suggests a genetic link between MMP-9 and schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

  • The MMP-9 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
  • This genetic association could potentially explain links between schizophrenia and certain somatic illnesses.

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