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Dopamine receptor D2 Ser/Cys311 variant associated with disorganized symptomatology of schizophrenia

A Serretti1, F Macciardi, E Smeraldi

  • 1Istituto Scientifico H. San Raffaele, Department of Neuroscience, University of Milano School of Medicine, Italy. serretti.alessandro@mail.hsr.it

Schizophrenia Research
|December 16, 1998
PubMed

Insights

The dopamine D2 receptor S311C variant may increase risk for disorganized symptoms in schizophrenia. This genetic factor could indicate a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by significant disorganization.

Area of Science:

  • Neurogenetics
  • Psychiatric Genetics
  • Molecular Psychiatry

Background:

  • The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene has been investigated as a potential genetic risk factor for schizophrenia.
  • Previous studies yielded conflicting results, with some failing to replicate initial findings.
  • A nuanced approach suggested analyzing DRD2 variants at the symptom level rather than solely considering the syndrome of schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between DRD2 gene variants and specific symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia and delusional disorder.
  • To explore whether DRD2 variants are linked to disorganized symptomatology.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred and four inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n=99) or delusional disorder (n=5) according to DSM IV criteria were recruited.
  • Patients were assessed using the Operational Criteria for Psychotic Illness (OPCRIT) at admission.
  • DRD2 gene variants were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between the DRD2 S311C variant and higher scores on the 'Disorganization' factor (P = 0.012).
  • Stratification analyses considering sex and age of onset did not alter the observed association.
  • No significant deviations from the overall sample were noted in these subgroup analyses.

Conclusions:

  • The DRD2 S311C variant may represent a genetic liability factor for disorganized symptoms in schizophrenia.
  • This finding suggests a potential genetic basis for a schizophrenia subtype characterized by highly disorganized symptomatology.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

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