Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:17
Assessing Neurodegenerative Phenotypes in Drosophila Dopaminergic Neurons by Climbing Assays and Whole Brain Immunostaining
Published on: April 24, 2013
DTNBP1 is associated with imaging phenotypes in schizophrenia
Katherine L Narr1, Philip R Szeszko, Todd Lencz
1Laboratory of Neuro Imaging and Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. narr@loni.ucla.edu
Human Brain Mapping
|May 19, 2009
Summary
Genetic risk for schizophrenia linked to Dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) shows altered brain structure. DTNBP1 risk variants are associated with reduced brain volume and cortical thinning in patients, suggesting complex neurobiological impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) is a candidate gene for schizophrenia susceptibility.
- The relationship between DTNBP1 polymorphisms and brain structure in schizophrenia remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a specific DTNBP1 risk variant (P1578) and brain structure in individuals with and without schizophrenia.
- To examine global and regional brain volumes and cortical thickness in relation to DTNBP1 risk status.
Main Methods:
- Neuroimaging (MRI) was used to assess brain volumes and cortical thickness.
- Genetic analysis identified carriers of the DTNBP1 risk variant (P1578).
- Statistical analyses compared brain structure between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, considering DTNBP1 risk status and ethnicity.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited reduced gray matter and CSF volumes, and widespread cortical thinning compared to controls.
- DTNBP1 risk was associated with reduced overall brain volume but not specific tissue sub-compartments.
- Significant genotype by diagnosis interactions revealed regional cortical thinning in patients with the DTNBP1 risk variant, particularly in temporal networks, while controls showed increased thickness.
Conclusions:
- DTNBP1 influences brain structure differently for overall volume and cortical thickness.
- Reduced brain volume in risk carriers may relate to cognitive function, independent of diagnosis.
- Regional cortical thinning in patients with the DTNBP1 risk variant suggests interaction with other schizophrenia risk factors, potentially impacting laminar thickness or neural vulnerability.
