Association between RGS4 gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder with an unclear pathogenesis.
• Regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (RG S4) is a candidate gene for schizophrenia risk.
• Previous studies on RG S4 and schizophrenia risk have yielded controversial results, necessitating an updated meta-analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the association between RG S4 gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia risk.
• To investigate specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the RG S4 gene.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed in English and Chinese databases (PubMed, SZGene, CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu).
• Eligible studies were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Data including P values, odds ratios, confidence intervals, and heterogeneity were analyzed using a random effects model with Stata software, including subgroup analyses.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included data for five SNPs: rs10917670, rs951436, rs951439, rs2661319, and rs10759.
• No significant difference in frequencies was found for rs10917670 and rs951439 between cases and controls.
• Genotype TT of rs951436 showed potential association in East Asian and hospital-based subgroups. Genotypes CC+CT of rs2661319 and CC+CA of rs10759 were statistically different, particularly in the East Asian population.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that specific genotypes of rs2661319 and rs10759 within the RG S4 gene may be associated with schizophrenia risk.
• These associations appear to be influenced by population-specific factors, notably in East Asian populations.