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Published on: September 8, 2021
S100B gene polymorphisms predict prefrontal spatial function in both schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals
Jinguo Zhai1, Lina Cheng, Jicheng Dong
1School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, 45# Jianshe South Road, Jining 272013, Shandong Province, PR China.
The S100B gene influences spatial prefrontal functions in both schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. Specific gene variations (SNPs) are linked to poorer spatial working memory and executive control abilities.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychiatric Genetics
Background:
- Animal studies suggest S100B protein is crucial for spatial abilities.
- Previous human research linked S100B gene polymorphisms to spatial skills in schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between S100B gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and prefrontal functions (working memory, executive control) in schizophrenia and healthy controls.
- To examine six specific S100B SNPs, including those previously linked to spatial ability.
Main Methods:
- Study included 434 schizophrenia patients and 412 healthy controls.
- Genotyping of six S100B SNPs (rs9722, rs1051169, rs2839357, and three additional ones).
- Assessment of prefrontal functions in spatial and verbal domains using standardized cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- Two SNPs (rs9722 and rs2839357) showed significant associations with spatial prefrontal functions in both groups (p < 0.014).
- The AA genotype of rs9722 and GG genotype of rs2839357 were associated with poorer spatial performance.
- No significant associations were found between the studied S100B SNPs and verbal prefrontal functions.
Conclusions:
- The S100B gene plays a significant role in spatial prefrontal functions, extending beyond spatial ability to encompass working memory and executive control.
- These findings reinforce the genetic contribution of S100B to cognitive functions, particularly in the spatial domain, in both clinical and healthy populations.
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