Gene expression analysis of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder marked by cognitive deficits associated with prefrontal cortical dysfunction, particularly in Broadmann Area 10 (BA 10), where gray matter reduction is observed. The genetic mechanisms behind these abnormalities remain unclear. Therefore, it is of interest to analyze altered gene expression and pathways in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia patients. We used two GEO datasets - GSE12654 (discovery) and GSE17612 (validation) and differential gene expression was assessed between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Validation confirmed three upregulated genes (S100A9, S100A8, BCL2A1) and one downregulated gene (CBLB), with protein interaction analysis revealing that upregulated genes were linked to immune and apoptotic processes, while downregulated genes suppressed EGF pathways. These findings suggest immune dysfunction and gray matter loss in schizophrenia, highlighting potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.