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Double-Edged Sword of Tumour Suppressor Genes in Schizophrenia
Chuanjun Zhuo1,2,3,4, Dawei Wang5, Chunhua Zhou6
1Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, Nankai University Affiliated Anding Hospital, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a common psychiatric disorder with polygenetic pathogenesis. Among the many identified candidate genes and loci, the group of tumour suppressor genes has drawn our interest. In this mini-review article, we describe evidence of a correlation between major tumour suppressor genes and SCZ development. Genetic mutations ranging from single nucleotide polymorphisms to large structural alterations have been found in tumour-related genes in patients with SCZ. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation/acetylation and microRNA regulation of tumour suppressor genes, have also been implicated in SCZ. Beyond genetic correlations, we hope to establish causal relationships between tumour suppressor gene function and SCZ risk. Accumulating evidence shows that tumour suppressor genes may mediate cell survival and neural development, both of which contribute to SCZ aetiology. Moreover, converging intracellular signalling pathways indicate a role of tumour suppressor genes in SCZ pathogenesis. Tumour suppressor gene function may mediate a direct link between neural development and function and psychiatric disorders, including SCZ. A deeper understanding of how neural cell development is affected by tumour suppressors may lead to improved anti-psychotic drugs.
Insights
Tumor suppressor genes are linked to schizophrenia (SCZ) development through genetic mutations and epigenetic changes. Understanding their role in neural development may lead to new antipsychotic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder with a polygenetic basis.
- Tumor suppressor genes are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to SCZ pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence correlating tumor suppressor genes with schizophrenia.
- To explore the potential causal relationships between tumor suppressor gene function and SCZ risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes in SCZ patients.
- Analysis of the role of tumor suppressor genes in neural development and cell survival pathways.
Main Results:
- Genetic mutations (SNPs to structural alterations) and epigenetic modifications (methylation, acetylation, microRNA regulation) in tumor suppressor genes are found in SCZ patients.
- Tumor suppressor genes influence cell survival and neural development, key factors in SCZ etiology.
- Converging intracellular signaling pathways highlight the role of tumor suppressor genes in SCZ pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Tumor suppressor genes represent a significant link between neural development, function, and psychiatric disorders like SCZ.
- Further research into how tumor suppressors affect neural development could inform the development of novel antipsychotic therapies.
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