Genetic Variants in Glutamate Receptors Linked to Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Frank René A. W. McRae, Allan F. Pocklington, Andrew J. van de Lagemaat, Pau Navarro, Mike D. R. Croning, Noboru H. Komiyama, Sophie J. Bradley, R. A. John Challiss, J. Douglas Armstrong, Robert D. Finn, Mary P. Malloy, Alan W. MacLean, Sarah E. Harris, John M. Starr, Sanjeev S. Bhaskar, Eleanor K. Howard, Sarah E. Hunt, Alison J. Coffey, Venkatesh Ranganath, Panos Deloukas, Jane Rogers, Walter J. Muir, Ian J. Deary, Douglas H. Blackwood, Peter M. Visscher, Seth G. N. Grant
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
Do genetic variations in glutamate receptors contribute to the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?
Conclusion
The study suggests that multiple genetic coding variants in glutamate receptors may play a role in the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- 62 different coding variants were identified in the study.
- 24 mutations were found solely in either the schizophrenia or bipolar disorder cohort.
- Individuals with multiple nsSNPs showed increased genetic load contributing to disease.
- Significant association was found with the ten genes selected for sequencing.
- GRM1 was identified as a potential new genetic link to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at genes related to brain signaling in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and found some changes that might help explain these conditions.
Methodology
The study involved re-sequencing the exons of ten glutamatergic hub genes in case and control samples.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of specific genetic variants and the population studied.
Limitations
The study may not account for all genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Participant Demographics
Caucasian individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0034
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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