Gene Interactions in Schizophrenia
Author Information
Author(s): Benzel Isabel, Bansal Aruna, Browning Brian L, Galwey Nicholas W, Maycox Peter R, McGinnis Ralph, Smart Devi, St Clair David, Yates Phillip, Purvis Ian
Primary Institution: GlaxoSmithKline
Hypothesis
Are interactions among genes in the ErbB-Neuregulin signaling network associated with increased susceptibility to schizophrenia?
Conclusion
The study suggests that genetic interactions among the NRG and ERBB gene families may increase susceptibility to schizophrenia.
Supporting Evidence
- 42 out of 365 tested SNPs were significantly associated with schizophrenia.
- Clear evidence of gene-gene interaction was detected for NRG1-NRG2, NRG1-NRG3, and EGFR-NRG2.
- Novel associations were found in NRG2, NRG3, and EGFR.
Takeaway
Scientists found that certain genes related to brain signaling might work together to make some people more likely to develop schizophrenia.
Methodology
The study tested 365 SNPs from eight genes in 396 schizophrenia cases and 1,342 controls using Fisher's Exact Test and logistic regression for gene interactions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of controls from blood donors, which may not represent the general population.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the Caucasian population from which the samples were drawn.
Participant Demographics
396 Caucasian cases (285 male, 111 female) and 1,342 controls (724 male, 618 female) from Aberdeen, Scotland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.160–1.840
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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