Exploring effects of EAAT polymorphisms on cognitive functions in schizophrenia
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

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Published on: September 8, 2021
Marco Spangaro1, Marta Bosia, Andrea Zanoletti
1San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffale University, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127 Milano, Italy.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of functional polymorphisms (rs4354668 and rs2731880) of the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT1 and 2) on the cognitive dysfunction that characterizes schizophrenia.
Materials & Methods:
One hundred and ninety two subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia were assessed with Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test and N-back test and genotyped for rs4354668 and rs2731880.
Results:
ANOVA showed a significant difference among both EAAT1 and EAAT2 genotype groups on different cognitive measures. Worse performances were observed among carriers of the genotypes associated with lower EAAT expression.
Conclusion:
RESULTS suggest that impaired activity and EAAT expression could influence cognitive performances in schizophrenia, thus representing a target of interest for development of pharmacological strategies aimed to improve cognition.
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