Identification of Novel Schizophrenia Loci by Homozygosity Mapping Using DNA Microarray Analysis
2011

Identifying New Genetic Loci for Schizophrenia Using DNA Microarray Analysis

Sample size: 101 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kurotaki Naohiro, Tasaki Shinya, Mishima Hiroyuki, Ono Shinji, Imamura Akira, Kikuchi Taeko, Nishida Nao, Tokunaga Katsushi, Yoshiura Koh-ichiro, Ozawa Hiroki

Primary Institution: Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Hypothesis

Homozygosity mapping, including identical by descent (IBD) analysis, would be a highly constructive method for identifying the loci responsible for schizophrenia.

Conclusion

The study identified several overlapping runs of homozygosity on various chromosomes that may contain novel genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overlapping ROHs were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, and 21.
  • Only the locus on chromosome 5 has been reported previously.
  • The identified ROHs may contain novel rare recessive variants affecting schizophrenia.

Takeaway

Researchers looked at DNA from people with schizophrenia and their families to find new genes that might cause the illness.

Methodology

The study used high-resolution DNA microarrays to genotype SNPs and analyze runs of homozygosity in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Limitations

The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

9 individuals with schizophrenia (3 males and 6 females, aged 31–56 years) and 92 healthy individuals from non-consanguineous marriages.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020589

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication