Change in the expression of myelination/oligodendrocyte-related genes during puberty in the rat brain

Age-dependent changes of gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats around the time of puberty were investigated by means of microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). About 127 and 138 genes were increased and decreased, respectively, in the PFC of rats at post-puberty (PD56) compared with those at pre-puberty (PD35). Functional analysis showed significant associations of these genes with aging, cellular development, and neuropsychological disorders. qPCR analysis confirmed down-regulation of seven genes related to myelination. As these genes have been reported to be diminished in the brain of patients with schizophrenia, the results of this study suggest an exaggerated maturation process may contribute to the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders.