Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
Published on: July 12, 2012
Analysis of association between dopamine receptor genes' methylation and their expression profile with the risk of
Dor Mohammad Kordi-Tamandani1, Roya Sahranavard, Adam Torkamanzehi
1Department of Biology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. dor_kordi@yahoo.com
Objective:
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a type of psychotic disorder that affects ~1% of the population. Dopamine is one of the major neurotransmitters in the brain and its receptors are associated with a number of psychotic disorders, including SCZ. The aims of the present study were to analyze methylation and the expression profile of dopamine receptor DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, and DRD5 genes in patients with SCZ.
Materials And Methods:
Promoter methylation of DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, and DRD5 genes was assayed by a methylation-specific PCR in blood samples obtained from 80 SCZ cases and 71 healthy controls. Also, we investigated DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, and DRD5 mRNA levels using real-time reverse transcription PCR in 34 blood samples of healthy controls and cases.
Results:
Promoter methylation of DRD4, DRD5, and DRD2 genes was statistically different in cases compared with healthy controls. The mRNA expression level results also showed statistically significant differences (P<0.0001) between cases and healthy controls for the DRD2, DRD4, and DRD5 genes, but not for DRD1.
Conclusion:
Analyses of DRD genes' methylation have highlighted the fact that the DRD gene network, overall, is actively involved in the increased risk of SCZ.
More Related Videos
05:14Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
11:19Correlating Gene-specific DNA Methylation Changes with Expression and Transcriptional Activity of Astrocytic KCNJ10 (Kir4.1)
Published on: September 26, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...