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Elevated TREM2 mRNA expression in leukocytes in schizophrenia but not major depressive disorder

Yuta Yoshino1, Kentaro Kawabe1, Kiyohiro Yamazaki1

  • 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|May 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Schizophrenia patients show higher triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2) mRNA in leukocytes than controls. This TREM2 mRNA elevation is specific to schizophrenia, not major depressive disorder, suggesting it may be a biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The exact pathological mechanisms of schizophrenia (SCZ) remain unclear, though the microglia hypothesis is gaining attention.
  • Previous research indicated elevated mRNA for triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2), a microglial activator, in SCZ peripheral leukocytes.
  • TREM2 plays a role in microglial activation and immune responses within the central nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate TREM2 mRNA expression levels in leukocytes of patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • To determine if TREM2 mRNA expression can differentiate SCZ from MDD and serve as a potential biomarker.
  • To explore changes in TREM2 mRNA expression following specific treatments for SCZ.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR with TaqMan probe was used to analyze TREM2 mRNA levels.
  • Leukocyte samples were collected from 50 SCZ patients, 42 MDD patients, and age-matched controls.
  • TREM2 mRNA expression was compared across SCZ, MDD, and control groups, with follow-up analysis after clozapine treatment and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Main Results:

  • TREM2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in leukocytes of SCZ subjects compared to controls.
  • No significant difference in TREM2 mRNA expression was found between MDD subjects and controls.
  • A decrease in TREM2 mRNA was observed in one SCZ patient after clozapine treatment, but levels remained elevated compared to controls; ECT did not alter expression.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated TREM2 mRNA in leukocytes is a specific finding in SCZ, distinguishing it from MDD.
  • TREM2 mRNA expression in leukocytes may serve as a trait biomarker for schizophrenia.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of TREM2 in SCZ pathophysiology and its potential as a diagnostic marker.
Keywords:
Major depressive disorderMicroglia cellNeuroinflammationSchizophreniaTREM2

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