Psychosis Genes in the Prefrontal Cortex
Author Information
Author(s): Choi Kwang Ho, Elashoff Michael, Higgs Brandon W, Song Jonathan, Kim Sanghyeon, Sabunciyan Sarven, Diglisic Suad, Yolken Robert H, Knable Michael B, Torrey E Fuller, Webster Maree J
Primary Institution: Stanley Laboratory of Brain Research
Hypothesis
Psychosis may be an alternative phenotype compared to traditional diagnosis categories of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
The study shows that gene expression differences between individuals with and without psychosis suggest that psychosis may be a useful phenotypic variable.
Supporting Evidence
- 110 transcripts are differentially regulated in psychosis.
- Metallothionein genes are consistently up-regulated in psychosis.
- Neuropeptide genes are down-regulated in psychosis.
- Cross-study analysis improves detection of gene expression changes.
- Findings suggest psychosis may be a useful phenotypic variable.
Takeaway
This study looked at brain genes to see how they change in people with psychosis, finding some genes that are different in those with psychosis compared to those without.
Methodology
Cross-study analysis of 7 gene expression microarrays including over 400 samples from psychosis and non-psychosis subjects.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding variables such as medication effects and demographic differences.
Limitations
The studies included may have overlapping subjects, which could affect the independence of the results.
Participant Demographics
{"psychosis":{"number":81,"gender":"60% Male","age":"43.9 +/- 10.2"},"non_psychosis":{"number":82,"gender":"70% Male","age":"44.7 +/- 9.8"}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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