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Yang JH, Presby RE, Cayer S, Rotolo RA, Perrino PA, Fitch RH, Correa M, Chesler EJ, Salamone JD. Effort-related decision making in humanized COMT mice: Effects of Val 158Met polymorphisms and possible implications for negative symptoms in humans. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 196:172975. [PMID: 32593787 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines, and is crucial for clearance of dopamine (DA) in prefrontal cortex. Val158Met polymorphism, which causes a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158, is reported to be associated with human psychopathologies in some studies. The Val/Val variant of the enzyme results in higher dopamine metabolism, which results in reduced dopamine transmission. Thus, it is important to investigate the relation between Val158Met polymorphisms using rodent models of psychiatric symptoms, including negative symptoms such as motivational dysfunction. In the present study, humanized COMT transgenic mice with two genotype groups (Val/Val (Val) and Met/Met (Met) homozygotes) and wild-type (WT) mice from the S129 background were tested using a touchscreen effort-based choice paradigm. Mice were trained to choose between delivery of a preferred liquid diet that reinforced panel pressing on various fixed ratio (FR) schedules (high-effort alternative), vs. intake of pellets concurrently available in the chamber (low-effort alternative). Panel pressing requirements were controlled by varying the FR levels (FR1, 2, 4, 8, 16) in ascending and descending sequences across weeks of testing. All mice were able to acquire the initial touchscreen operant training, and there was an inverse relationship between the number of reinforcers delivered by panel pressing and pellet intake across different FR levels. There was a significant group x FR level interaction in the ascending limb, with panel presses in the Val group being significantly lower than the WT group in FR1-8, and lower than Met in FR4. These findings indicate that the humanized Val allele in mice modulates FR/pellet-choice performance, as marked by lower levels of panel pressing in the Val group when the ratio requirement was moderately high. These studies may contribute to the understanding of the role of COMT polymorphisms in negative symptoms such as motivational dysfunctions in schizophrenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hau Yang
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Present address: Dept. of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rose E Presby
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Suzanne Cayer
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Renee A Rotolo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Peter A Perrino
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - R Holly Fitch
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Merce Correa
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Area de Psicobiologia, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
| | | | - John D Salamone
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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Hosák L. Role of the COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism in mental disorders: A review. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 22:276-81. [PMID: 17419009 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene is functional, easily detectable, and significantly related to metabolism of catecholamines, which underlie pathogenesis of a significant number of mental disorders. Evidence for the role of this polymorphism in schizophrenia, substance dependence, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is summed up in this review article. The results make it unlikely that the COMT gene plays an important role in these mental disorders, although a minor effect can not be excluded. Future studies on the COMT gene in mentally ill subjects should be stratified by clinical subtypes of the disorder, gender and ethnicity. Studies of endophenotypes instead of the complex disorder seem to be another promising research strategy. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions should also be considered. The COMT gene is probably not “a gene for” any mental disorder, but the Val158Met polymorphism appears to have pleiotropic effects on human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Hosák
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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Pekcanlar Akay A, Eresen Yazıcıoğlu Ç, Alşen Güney S, Özek Erkuran H, Kızıldağ S, Baykara B, Özyurt G, Yıldırımcan Kadıçeşme Ş, Miral S, İnal Emiroğlu N. Allele frequencies of dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) and Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism are associated with methylphenidate response in adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case control preliminary study. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2017.1418134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Pekcanlar Akay
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Sevay Alşen Güney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Handan Özek Erkuran
- Deparment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry Specialist, Dr. Behçet Uz Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sefa Kızıldağ
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burak Baykara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gonca Özyurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Katip Çelebi University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Süha Miral
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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Bortolato M, Walss-Bass C, Thompson PM, Moskovitz J. Manic symptom severity correlates with COMT activity in the striatum: A post-mortem study. World J Biol Psychiatry 2017; 18:247-254. [PMID: 27458023 PMCID: PMC5468118 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1208844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which catalyses the degradation of dopamine and norepinephrine, is posited to participate in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia. In support of this notion, rich evidence has documented that the severity of various BD and schizophrenia symptoms is moderated by rs4680, a single nucleotide polymorphism of the COMT gene featuring a valine (Val)-to-methionine (Met) substitution that results in lower catalytic activity. Nevertheless, the specific relevance of COMT enzymatic activity in the pathophysiology of BD and schizophrenia dimensions remains elusive. METHODS We measured COMT catalytic activity in post-mortem prefrontal cortices, striata and cerebella of schizophrenia and BD patients, as well as non-affected controls. These values were then correlated with rs4680 genotypes and psychopathology scores in the last week of life. RESULTS No direct correlation between COMT activity and rs4680 genotypes was found; however, the severity of manic symptoms was highly correlated with COMT activity in the striatum, irrespective of the diagnostic group. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that COMT striatal activity, but not rs4680 genotype, may serve as a biomarker for manic symptoms. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess the neurobiological links between COMT striatal activity and manic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA,Corresponding authors: Marco Bortolato, MD PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 30 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, . Jackob Moskovitz, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045,
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Peter M. Thompson
- Southwest Brain Bank, Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso, El Paso TX 79905 USA
| | - Jackob Moskovitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA,Corresponding authors: Marco Bortolato, MD PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 30 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, . Jackob Moskovitz, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045,
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Higashiyama R, Ohnuma T, Takebayashi Y, Hanzawa R, Shibata N, Yamamori H, Yasuda Y, Kushima I, Aleksic B, Kondo K, Ikeda M, Hashimoto R, Iwata N, Ozaki N, Arai H. Association of copy number polymorphisms at the promoter and translated region of COMT with Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:447-57. [PMID: 26852906 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and genetic variations including single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variation (CNV) in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) situated at 22q11.2 remains controversial. Here, the genetic relationship between COMT and Japanese patients with schizophrenia was investigated by examining whether the SNPs correlated with schizophrenia based on a common disease-common variant hypothesis. Additionally, 22q11.2DS were screened based on a common disease-rare variant hypothesis; low-frequency CNVs situated at two COMT promoters and exons were investigated based on the low-frequency variants with an intermediate effect; and positive findings from the first stage were reconfirmed using a second-stage replication study including a larger sample size. Eight SNPs and 10 CNVs were investigated using Taqman SNP and CNV quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. For the first-stage analysis, 513 unrelated Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 705 healthy controls were examined. For the second-stage replication study, positive findings from the first stage were further investigated using a larger sample size, namely 1,854 patients with schizophrenia and 2,137 controls. The first-stage analysis showed significant associations among schizophrenia, intronic SNP rs165774, CNV6 situated at promoter 1, CNV8 at exon 6, and CNV9 at exon 7. The second-stage study showed that intronic SNP rs165774 (χ(2) = 8.327, P = 0.0039), CNV6 (χ(2) = 19.66, P = 0.00005), and CNV8 (χ(2) = 16.57, P = 0.00025) were significantly associated with schizophrenia. Large and rare CNVs as well as low-frequency CNVs and relatively small CNVs, namely <30 kb in COMT, may be genetic risk factors for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Higashiyama
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Ohnuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuto Takebayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Hanzawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuto Shibata
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenaga Yamamori
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuka Yasuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Branko Aleksic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kondo
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masashi Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Heii Arai
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Schizophrenia Projects (JUSP), Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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The Role of a Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met Genetic Polymorphism in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-analysis on 32,816 Subjects. Neuromolecular Med 2016; 18:216-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-016-8392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ayhan Y, McFarland R, Pletnikov MV. Animal models of gene-environment interaction in schizophrenia: A dimensional perspective. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 136:1-27. [PMID: 26510407 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia has long been considered as a disorder with multifactorial origins. Recent discoveries have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of the disease. However, even with the increase of identified risk variants, heritability estimates suggest an important contribution of non-genetic factors. Various environmental risk factors have been proposed to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. These include season of birth, maternal infections, obstetric complications, adverse events at early childhood, and drug abuse. Despite the progress in identification of genetic and environmental risk factors, we still have a limited understanding of the mechanisms whereby gene-environment interactions (G × E) operate in schizophrenia and psychoses at large. In this review we provide a critical analysis of current animal models of G × E relevant to psychotic disorders and propose that dimensional perspective will advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Ayhan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey
| | - Ross McFarland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.
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8
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Moskovitz J, Walss-Bass C, Cruz DA, Thompson PM, Hairston J, Bortolato M. The enzymatic activities of brain catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and methionine sulphoxide reductase are correlated in a COMT Val/Met allele-dependent fashion. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 41:941-51. [PMID: 25640985 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a primary role in the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters and is implicated in the modulation of cognitive and emotional responses. The best characterized single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the COMT gene consists of a valine (Val)-to-methionine (Met) substitution at codon 108/158. The Met-containing variant confers a marked reduction in COMT catalytic activity. We recently showed that the activity of recombinant COMT is positively regulated by the enzyme Met sulphoxide reductase (MSR), which counters the oxidation of Met residues of proteins. The current study was designed to assess whether brain COMT activity may be correlated to MSR in an allele-dependent fashion. METHODS COMT and MSR activities were measured from post-mortem samples of prefrontal cortices, striata and cerebella of 32 subjects by using catechol and dabsyl-Met sulphoxide as substrates, respectively. Allelic discrimination of COMT Val(108/185) Met SNP was performed using the Taqman 5'nuclease assay. RESULTS Our studies revealed that, in homozygous carriers of Met, but not Val alleles, the activity of COMT and MSR was significantly correlated throughout all tested brain regions. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the reduced enzymatic activity of Met-containing COMT may be secondary to Met sulphoxidation and point to MSR as a key molecular determinant for the modulation of COMT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackob Moskovitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA
| | - Dianne A Cruz
- Southwest Brain Bank, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Peter M Thompson
- Southwest Brain Bank, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Jenaqua Hairston
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
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Williams SM. Epistasis in the risk of human neuropsychiatric disease. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1253:71-93. [PMID: 25403528 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2155-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disease represents the ideal class of disease to assess the role of epistasis, as more genes are expressed in the brain than in any other tissue. In this chapter, two well-studied neuropsychiatric diseases are examined, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia, which have been shown to have multiple and, often, replicated interactions that associate with clinical endpoints or related phenotypes. In each case, a single gene is represented in a plurality of epistatic interactions, apolipoprotein E (APOE) for AD and catechol-O-methyltransferase for schizophrenia. Interestingly, of the two, only APOE has clear-cut and consistent evidence for a marginal association. Unraveling the underlying reasons is important in understanding both genetic etiology and architecture as well as how to use genetics to provide better personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Williams
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 78 College ST, HB 6044, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA,
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10
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Godar SC, Bortolato M. Gene-sex interactions in schizophrenia: focus on dopamine neurotransmission. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:71. [PMID: 24639636 PMCID: PMC3944784 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, with a highly complex and heterogenous clinical presentation. Our current perspectives posit that the pathogenic mechanisms of this illness lie in complex arrays of gene × environment interactions. Furthermore, several findings indicate that males have a higher susceptibility for schizophrenia, with earlier age of onset and overall poorer clinical prognosis. Based on these premises, several authors have recently begun exploring the possibility that the greater schizophrenia vulnerability in males may reflect specific gene × sex (G×S) interactions. Our knowledge on such G×S interactions in schizophrenia is still rudimentary; nevertheless, the bulk of preclinical evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms for such interactions are likely contributed by the neurobiological effects of sex steroids on dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. Accordingly, several recent studies suggest a gender-specific association of certain DAergic genes with schizophrenia. These G×S interactions have been particularly documented for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO), the main enzymes catalyzing DA metabolism. In the present review, we will outline the current evidence on the interactions of DA-related genes and sex-related factors, and discuss the potential molecular substrates that may mediate their cooperative actions in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA ; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
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Role of COMT in ADHD: a Systematic Meta-Analysis. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:251-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Lajin B, Alachkar A, Hamzeh AR, Michati R, Alhaj H. No association between Val158Met of the COMT gene and susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Syrian population. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2012; 3:176-8. [PMID: 22540087 PMCID: PMC3336908 DOI: 10.4297/najms.2011.3176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism of the COMT gene has been implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia, although results from different populations have been conflicting. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate possible association between schizophrenia and Val158Met in a novel Arab population from Syria. Methods and Materials: 71 unrelated schizophrenic subjects (45 men) and 102 unrelated healthy controls (62 men) were recruited to take part in this case- control study. The Val158Met of the COMT gene was genotyped for patients and controls, using a new optimized PCR-RFLP method. Results: the results demonstrated that there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: This study does not support that Val158Met has an influence on susceptibility for schizophrenia in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassam Lajin
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
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Pilot study examining the frequency of several gene polymorphisms involved in morphine pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in a morbidly obese population. Obes Surg 2012; 21:1257-64. [PMID: 20411349 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-010-0143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Morbidly obese patients are at significantly elevated risk of postsurgery complications and merit closer monitoring by health care professionals after bariatric surgery. It is now recognized that genetic factors influence individual patient's response to drug used in anesthesia and analgesia. Among the many drug administered by anesthetists, we focused in this pilot study on morphine, since morphine patient-controlled anesthesia in obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery is frequently prescribed. We examined the allelic frequency of three polymorphisms involved in morphine pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in patients with body mass index (BMI) >40. One hundred and nine morbidly obese patients (BMI = 49.1 ± 7.7 kg/m²) were genotyped for three polymorphisms c.A118G of mu opioid receptor (OPRM1), c.C3435T of the P-glycoprotein gene (ABCB1), and p.Val158Met of catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT). Allelic frequencies were 118G-0.22, C3435-0.55, and 158Met-0.5 in our whole population and 0.23, 0.5, and 0.47 in Caucasian population. Allelic frequencies did not differ according to gender. Mean BMI did no differ according to the allelic variant. OPRM1118G allele was more frequent in our population than in most previously described European populations. Since the concept of "personalized medicine" promises to individualize therapeutics and optimize medical treatment in term of efficacy and safety, especially when prescribing drugs with a narrow therapeutic index such as morphine, further clinical studies examining the clinical consequences of the OPRM1 c.A118G polymorphism in patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery are needed.
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Verhoeven WM, Tuinier S, van der Burgt I. Top-down or bottom-up: Contrasting perspectives on psychiatric diagnoses. Biologics 2011; 2:409-17. [PMID: 19707372 PMCID: PMC2721407 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical psychiatry is confronted with the expanding knowledge of medical genetics. Most of the research into the genetic underpinnings of major mental disorders as described in the categorical taxonomies, however, did reveal linkage with a variety of chromosomes. This heterogeneity of results is most probably due to the assumption that the nosological categories as used in these studies are disease entities with clear boundaries. If the reverse way of looking, the so-called bottom-up approach, is applied, it becomes clear that genetic abnormalities are in most cases not associated with a single psychiatric disorder but with a certain probability to develop a variety of aspecific psychiatric symptoms. The adequacy of the categorical taxonomy, the so-called top-down approach, seems to be inversely related to the amount of empirical etiological data. This is illustrated by four rather prevalent genetic syndromes, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, 22q11 deletion syndrome, and Noonan syndrome, as well as by some cases with rare chromosomal abnormalities. From these examples, it becomes clear that psychotic symptoms as well as mood, anxiety, and autistic features can be found in a great variety of different genetic syndromes. A psychiatric phenotype exists, but comprises, apart from the chance to present several psychiatric symptoms, all elements from developmental, neurocognitive, and physical characteristics.
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Estrada G, Fatjó-Vilas M, Muñoz MJ, Pulido G, Miñano MJ, Toledo E, Illa JM, Martín M, Miralles ML, Miret S, Campanera S, Bernabeu C, Navarro ME, Fañanás L. Cannabis use and age at onset of psychosis: further evidence of interaction with COMT Val158Met polymorphism. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2011; 123:485-92. [PMID: 21231925 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2010.01665.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine, in a sample of young psychiatric patients, (n = 157, mean age 17.01 years (SD = 3.6)) whether i) age at first cannabis use and age at emergence of psychiatric disorders are related and ii) such a relationship is modulated by the Val158Met polymorphism in the COMT gene. METHOD Cannabis use profiles and COMT Val158Met genotypes were obtained from 80 inpatients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and 77 inpatients with other non-psychotic disorders. RESULTS First, age at first cannabis use correlates with age at onset in both schizophrenia-spectrum and other psychiatric disorder groups: those who started using cannabis earlier had an earlier age at onset of psychiatric disorders. Second, the distribution of the Val158Met genotypes was not different either between diagnosis groups or between cannabis users and non-users. Third, an interaction between Val158Met genotypes and cannabis use was observed specifically on age at emergence of psychotic disorders, with Val/Val genotype carriers showing an earlier age at onset than Met carriers. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the importance of brain maturation timing in which exposure to cannabis occurs. The COMT Val158Met genotype seems to modulate the association between cannabis and age at onset of psychotic disorders. These results are consistent with previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Estrada
- Anthropology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Spain
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Costas J, Sanjuán J, Ramos-Ríos R, Paz E, Agra S, Ivorra JL, Páramo M, Brenlla J, Arrojo M. Heterozygosity at catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met and schizophrenia: new data and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2011; 45:7-14. [PMID: 20488458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been largely studied in relation to schizophrenia susceptibility. Most studies focused on the functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4680 that causes a substitution of Val by Met at codon 158 of the COMT protein. Recent meta-analyses do not support an association between allelic variants at rs4680 and schizophrenia. However, the putative role of overdominance has not been tested in meta-analyses, despite its biological plausibility. In this work, we tested the overdominant model in two Spanish samples (from Valencia and Santiago de Compostela), representing a total of 762 schizophrenic patients and 1042 controls, and performed a meta-analysis of the available studies under this model. A total of 51 studies comprising 13,894 schizophrenic patients and 16,087 controls were included in the meta-analysis, that revealed a small but significant protective effect for heterozygosity at rs4680 (pooled OR=0.947, P=0.023). Post-hoc analysis on southwestern European samples suggested a stronger effect in these populations (pooled OR=0.813, P=0.0009). Thus, the COMT functional polymorphism rs4680 contributes to schizophrenia genetic susceptibility under an overdominant model, indicating that both too high and too low levels of dopamine (DA) signalling may be risk factors. This effect can be modulated by genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Costas
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica-SERGAS, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Edif. Consultas Planta 2, E-15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Role of polymorphisms in dopamine synthesis and metabolism genes and association of DBH haplotypes with Parkinson's disease among North Indians. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2010; 20:435-41. [PMID: 20498626 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0b013e32833ad3bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genetic and non-genetic components are believed to govern the etiology of common complex traits such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In view of the biochemical evidence of depleted dopamine levels in the affected brains and also the most common and effective therapeutic modality of administration of levodopa in PD, genes from the dopaminergic pathway emerge as major determinants. We have earlier shown the role of DRD4-120 bp duplication marker in PD susceptibility. In this study, contribution of six genes involved in dopamine synthesis and metabolism to PD susceptibility and disease severity was assessed in a North Indian PD cohort. METHODS 339 patients diagnosed using UKPD brain bank criteria and 344 matched controls were recruited and disease severity was assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr scale and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale III scores. Allelic, genotypic and haplotypic associations with PD were computed; severity was compared among the genotypic categories of markers; gene-gene interactions were assessed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS A highly significant association of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) haplotypes (rs1611115T>C - rs1108580A>G - rs5320A>G - rs129882C>T) with PD was observed; haplotypes C-A-G-C [P=0.000005, Odds ratio (95% confidence interval): OR (95% CI)=1.76 (1.38-2.25)] and C-A-G-T [P=0.000001, OR (95% CI)=0.49 (0.37-0.65)] retaining significance after Bonferroni correction. rs129882, a 3'UTR SNP in DBH showed significant association with disease severity [Hoehn and Yahr (P=0.005) and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (P=0.006)]. CONCLUSION Observed association of DBH SNP/SNP haplotypes with PD susceptibility and its role in modulating disease severity reiterates the importance of dopamine pathway in sporadic PD etiology in general and potential therapeutic implications of DBH in particular.
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Lill CM, Schjeide BMM, Roehr JT, Zauft U, Allen NC, Zipp F, McQueen MB, Kavvoura FK, Ioannidis JPA, Khoury MJ, Tanzi RE, Bertram L. Correspondence to Sand et Al. "Critical reappraisal of a catechol-o-methyltransferase transversion variant in schizophrenia". Biol Psychiatry 2010; 67:e45-8. [PMID: 20303423 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sand PG, Domani M, Smesny S. Critical reappraisal of a catechol-O-methyltransferase transversion variant in schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 67:e41-2; author reply e43-4. [PMID: 20060960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Haraldsson HM, Ettinger U, Magnusdottir BB, Sigmundsson T, Sigurdsson E, Ingason A, Petursson H. Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val 158 Met polymorphism and antisaccade eye movements in schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2010; 36:157-64. [PMID: 18562342 PMCID: PMC2800134 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbn064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme catabolizes dopamine. The val(158)met single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680) in the COMT gene has received considerable attention as a candidate gene for schizophrenia as well as for frontally mediated cognitive functions. Antisaccade performance is a good measure of frontal lobe integrity. Deficits on the task are considered a trait marker for schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of COMT val(158)met polymorphism with antisaccade eye movements in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Schizophrenia patients (N = 105) and healthy controls (N = 95) underwent infrared oculographic assessment of antisaccades. Subjects were genotyped for COMT val(158)met and divided into 3 groups according to genotype (val/val, val/met, and met/met). Patients displayed significantly more reflexive errors, longer and more variable latency, and lower amplitude gain than controls (all P < 0.02). A greater number of val(158) alleles was associated with shorter (P = 0.045) and less variable (P = 0.028) antisaccade latency and, nonsignificantly, with lower reflexive error rate (P = 0.056). None of these variables showed a group-by-genotype interaction (P > 0.1). There were no significant associations of genotype with measures of amplitude gain or spatial error (P > 0.2). The results suggest that COMT val(158) carrier status is associated with better performance on the antisaccade task. Possible explanations of this finding are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brynja B. Magnusdottir
- Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland,Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thordur Sigmundsson
- Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Engilbert Sigurdsson
- Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Andres Ingason
- Research Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hannes Petursson
- Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
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Abstract
Schizophrenia may well represent one of the most heterogenous mental disorders in human history. This heterogeneity encompasses (1) etiology; where numerous putative genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease manifestation, (2) symptomatology; with symptoms characterized by group; positive--behaviors not normally present in healthy subjects (e.g. hallucinations), negative--reduced expression of normal behaviors (e.g. reduced joy), and cognitive--reduced cognitive capabilities separable from negative symptoms (e.g. impaired attention), and (3) individual response variation to treatment. The complexity of this uniquely human disorder has complicated the development of suitable animal models with which to assay putative therapeutics. Moreover, the development of animal models is further limited by a lack of positive controls because currently approved therapeutics only addresses psychotic symptoms, with minor negative symptom treatment. Despite these complexities however, many animal models of schizophrenia have been developed mainly focusing on modeling individual symptoms. Validation criteria have been established to assay the utility of these models, determining the (1) face, (2) predictive, (3) construct, and (4) etiological validities, as well as (5) reproducibility of each model. Many of these models have been created following the development of major hypotheses of schizophrenia, including the dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and neurodevelopmental hypotheses. The former two models have largely consisted of manipulating these neurotransmitter systems to produce behavioral abnormalities with some relevance to symptoms or putative etiology of schizophrenia. Given the serotonergic link to hallucinations and cholinergic link to attention, other models have manipulated these systems also. Finally, there has also been a drive toward creating mouse models of schizophrenia utilizing transgenic technology. Thus, there are opportunities to combine both environmental and genetic factors to create more suitable models of schizophrenia. More sophisticated animal tasks are also being created with which to ascertain whether these models produce behavioral abnormalities consistent with patients with schizophrenia. While animal models of schizophrenia continue to be developed, we must be cognizant that (1) validating these models are limited to the degree by which Clinicians can provide relevant information on the behavior of these patients, and (2) any putative treatments that are developed are also likely to be given with concurrent antipsychotic treatment. While our knowledge of this devastating disorder increases and our animal models and tasks with which to measure their behaviors become more sophisticated, caution must still be taken when validating these models to limit complications when introducing putative therapeutics to human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA.
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22
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Okochi T, Ikeda M, Kishi T, Kawashima K, Kinoshita Y, Kitajima T, Yamanouchi Y, Tomita M, Inada T, Ozaki N, Iwata N. Meta-analysis of association between genetic variants in COMT and schizophrenia: an update. Schizophr Res 2009; 110:140-8. [PMID: 19329282 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2009.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 02/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A common functional polymorphism, Val108/158Met (rs4680), and haplotypes rs737865-rs4680-rs165599 in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) have been extensively examined for association to schizophrenia; however, results of replication studies have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the genetic risk of COMT for schizophrenia. First, we performed a mutation scan to detect the existence of potent functional variants in the 5'-flanking and exon regions. Second, we conducted a gene-based case-control study between tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in COMT [19 SNPs including six possible functional SNPs (rs2075507, rs737865, rs4680, rs165599, rs165849)] and schizophrenia in large Japanese samples (schizophrenics 1118, controls 1100). Lastly, we carried out a meta-analysis of 5 functional SNPs and haplotypes (rs737865-rs4680-rs165599). No novel functional variant was detected in the mutation scan. There is no association between these tagging SNPs in COMT and Japanese schizophrenia. In this updated meta-analysis, no evidence was found for an association between Val108/158Met polymorphisms, rs6267, rs165599, and haplotypes (rs7378655-rs4680-rs165599) and schizophrenia, although rs2075507 and rs737865 showed trends for significance in allele-wise analyses (P=0.039 in a multiplicative model, P=0.025 in a recessive model for rs2075507, P=0.018 in a dominant model for rs737865, uncorrected). This significance did not remain, however, after correcting the P-values using a false discovery rate controlling procedure. Our results suggest that the COMT is unlikely to contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomo Okochi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
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23
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Verhoeven WMA, Tuinier S. Clinical perspectives on the genetics of schizophrenia: a bottom-up orientation. Neurotox Res 2009; 14:141-50. [PMID: 19073422 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Phenomenology has been the reference point that investigators have used in their efforts to understand schizophrenia. Although symptoms and signs are crucial for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, there is an ongoing debate since Kraepelin attempted to group symptoms to understand the etiology of schizophrenia. Several operational criteria have been developed to establish the diagnosis of schizophrenia, making it obvious that there are no precise symptomatological boundaries. There is little clear indication which of the systems is valid for genetic and other biological research. Despite the enormous effort to find a linkage between schizophrenia and one or more loci, the results are far from conclusive. Another approach is the search for candidate genes of which DICS1 and 22q11 deletion syndrome are examples. In all studies into the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia, however, the clinical vantage point is neglected in that a broad clinical phenotype with respect to, e.g., developmental issues, symptoms and comorbidity is narrowed down to one categorical diagnosis. This is illustrated by the lack of exclusion criteria in genetic studies and by the occurrence of schizophrenia-like psychoses in a broad array of genetic syndromes. In case of 22q11 deletion syndrome, the psychotic symptoms emerge in the context of brain anomalies, a plethora of somatic abnormalities and specific neurocognitive deficits. Prader-Willi syndrome is a hypothalamic disorder in which psychotic symptoms may occur that resemble schizophrenia. It is concluded that not only schizophrenia is a highly variable disease but that the genetic samples are even much more heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem M A Verhoeven
- Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, Venray, The Netherlands.
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Liao SY, Lin SH, Liu CM, Hsieh MH, Hwang TJ, Liu SK, Guo SC, Hwu HG, Chen WJ. Genetic variants in COMT and neurocognitive impairment in families of patients with schizophrenia. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2008; 8:228-37. [PMID: 19077118 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2008.00467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the relations of genetic variants in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, including rs737865 in intron 1, rs4680 in exon 4 (Val158Met) and downstream rs165599, to schizophrenia and its related neurocognitive functions in families of patients with schizophrenia. Totally, 680 individuals from 166 simplex (166 affected members and 354 nonpsychotic first-degree relatives) and 46 multiplex families (85 affected members and 75 nonpsychotic first-degree relatives) were interviewed using Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies, administered Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and drawn for venous blood. Both categorical (dichotomizing families on affected members' neurocognitive performance) and quantitative approaches toward the WCST and CPT performance scores were employed using the family-based association test and the variance components framework, respectively. Both false discovery rate and permutations were used to adjust for multiple testing. The genotypes of rs4680 were associated with both the WCST and CPT performance scores in these families, but not with schizophrenia per se in either whole sample or subgroup analyses. Meanwhile, the other two single nucleotide polymorphisms were differentially associated with the two tasks. For WCST indexes, regardless of subgroup analyses or quantitative approach, only rs737865 exhibited moderate associations. For CPT indexes, rs737865 exhibited association for the subgroup with deficit on CPT reaction time, whereas rs165599 exhibited association for the subgroup with deficit on CPT d' as well as quantitative undegraded d'. Our results indicate that the genetic variants in COMT might be involved in modulation of neurocognitive functions and hence conferring increased risk to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-Y Liao
- Genetic Epidemiology Core Laboratory, Division of Genomic Medicine Research Center for Medical Excellence, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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25
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Prasad P, Kumar KMP, Ammini AC, Gupta A, Gupta R, Thelma BK. Association of dopaminergic pathway gene polymorphisms with chronic renal insufficiency among Asian Indians with type-2 diabetes. BMC Genet 2008; 9:26. [PMID: 18366720 PMCID: PMC2287188 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-9-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic markers conferring susceptibility to diabetes specific renal disease remains to be identified for early prediction and development of effective drugs and therapies. Inconsistent results obtained from analysis of genes from classical pathways generate need for examination of unconventional genetic markers having role in regulation of renal function. Experimental and clinical evidences suggest that dopamine is an important natriuretic hormone. Therefore, various genes involved in regulation of dopamine bioavailability could play a role in diabetic chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). We investigated the contribution of 12 polymorphisms from five Dopaminergic pathway genes to CRI among type-2 diabetic Asian Indian subjects. METHODS Genetic association of 12 polymorphisms (SNPs) from five genes namely-dopamine receptor-1 (DRD1), DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, andcatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) with diabetic CRI was investigated using a case-control approach. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to correlate various clinical parameters with genotypes, and to study pair wise interactions between SNPs of different genes. RESULTS SNPs -141 ins/del C and G>A (1 kb upstream from exon 2) in DRD2 gene showed significant allelic and genotypic association. Allele -141 insC and genotype -141 insC/insC of -141 ins/del C polymorphism, and allele A of G>A SNP were found to be predisposing to CRI. Our result of allelic and genotypic association of -141 insC/delC SNP was also reflected in the haplotypic association. Heterozygous genotype of polymorphism 900 ins/del C in COMT gene was predisposing towards CRI. CONCLUSION Some polymorphisms in DRD2 and COMT genes are significantly associated with susceptibility to CRI in the Asian Indian population which, if confirmed would be consistent with a suggested role of dopamine metabolism in disease occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushplata Prasad
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India.
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Ma X, Sun J, Yao J, Wang Q, Hu X, Deng W, Sun X, Liu X, Murray RM, Collier DA, Li T. A quantitative association study between schizotypal traits and COMT, PRODH and BDNF genes in a healthy Chinese population. Psychiatry Res 2007; 153:7-15. [PMID: 17604122 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes are possible susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. We hypothesized that these genes are also associated with schizotypal traits, which are heritable and related to schizophrenia. We genotyped five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) from the COMT, PRODH and BDNF genes, and performed a series of association analyses between alleles, genotypes or haplotypes, and quantitative schizotypal trait scores derived from the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), in 465 Chinese healthy subjects. We found that 'years of education' was a major influence on seven out of nine schizotypal components, three schizotypal factors and the total SPQ scores. Molecular genetic analysis of COMT, PRODH and BDNF genes showed no significant effects of any variants on schizotypal components or factors of SPQ after correction for multiple testing, although there were weak association between COMT Val158Met (rs4680G/A) and the odd speech subscale (allele-wise, P=0.04; genotype-wise, P=0.049), between COMT Val158Met (rs4680G/A) and the suspiciousness subscale (genotype-wise, P=0.024), and between BDNF Val66Met and the Factor 2 interpersonal measure (genotype-wise, P=0.027) before correction. Furthermore, we found SNP Val158Met (rs4680) of the COMT gene significantly influenced the scores of some of schizotypal traits including total SPQ score, the disorganization factor and the constricted affect subscale in male subjects only. However, the effect was in the opposite direction of an earlier association with the SPQ reported by Avramopoulos et al. [Avramopoulos, D., Stefanis, N.C., Hantoumi, I., Smyrnis, N., Evdokimidis, I., Stefanis, C.N., 2002. Higher scores of self reported schizotypy in healthy young males carrying the COMT high activity allele. Molecular Psychiatry 7, 706-711]. We conclude that SNP Val158Met (rs4680) in the COMT gene may be associated with some schizotypal traits in male subjects, but our results are not conclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Ma
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Department of Psychiatry, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
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Illi A, Kampman O, Hänninen K, Anttila S, Mattila KM, Katila H, Rontu R, Hurme M, Lehtimäki T, Leinonen E. Catechol-O-methyltransferase val108/158met genotype and response to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia. Hum Psychopharmacol 2007; 22:211-5. [PMID: 17526059 DOI: 10.1002/hup.841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene has been investigated as a possible candidate gene in schizophrenia. The most studied polymorphism has been the functional val108/158met polymorphism of this COMT gene. There is also some evidence that this polymorphism could be related to drug response to antipsychotics in schizophrenia. COMT enzyme inactivates dopamine and noradrenaline. Based mainly on the original dopamine theory of schizophrenia, our primary hypothesis was that the maintenance dose of antipsychotics would be higher in patients with the low activity COMT genotype. In this study we evaluated the current daily dosage of antipsychotics in 180 patients with schizophrenia in connection with the COMT genotype. We could not demonstrate any clearly significant effect of this particular COMT genotype in relation to the daily maintenance dosages of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Illi
- University of Tampere, Medical School, and Tampere University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Finland.
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28
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Abstract
Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is a catabolic enzyme involved in the degradation of a number of bioactive molecules; of principal interest to psychiatry, these include dopamine. The enzyme is encoded by the COMT gene. COMT is located (along with 47 other genes) in a fragment of chromosome 22q11 which when deleted results in a complex syndrome, the psychiatric manifestations of which include schizophrenia and other psychoses. These 2 observations have placed COMT near the top of a rather long list of plausible candidate genes for schizophrenia. The ability to test the hypothesis that COMT might be a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia has been simplified in principle by the existence of a valine-to-methionine (Val/Met) polymorphism which results respectively in high and low activity forms of the enzyme. Given the unequivocal effect of this polymorphism on the function of COMT, and the evidence for a critical role for dopamine in the pathophysiology and treatment of psychosis, there are strong prior expectations that Val/Met influences susceptibility to schizophrenia as well as other psychiatric phenotypes. Indeed the Val/Met polymorphism has become the most widely studied polymorphism in psychiatry. In this review, we consider the evidence for and against the involvement of COMT in schizophrenia. The current data allow us to virtually exclude a simple relationship between schizophrenia and the Val/Met variant previously thought to dominate COMT function. However, recent data suggest a more complex pattern of genetic regulation of COMT function beyond that attributable to the Val/Met locus. Moreover, it is also clear that there is a complex nonlinear relationship between dopamine availability and brain function. These 2 factors, allied to phenotypic complexity within schizophrenia, make it difficult to draw strong conclusions regarding COMT in schizophrenia. Nevertheless, emerging research that takes greater account of all these levels of complexity is beginning to provide tantalizing, but far from definitive, support for the view that COMT influences susceptibility to at least some forms of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hywel J. Williams
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Henry Wellcome Building, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Michael J. Owen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Henry Wellcome Building, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Michael C. O'Donovan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Henry Wellcome Building, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Nunokawa A, Watanabe Y, Muratake T, Kaneko N, Koizumi M, Someya T. No associations exist between five functional polymorphisms in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and schizophrenia in a Japanese population. Neurosci Res 2007; 58:291-6. [PMID: 17482701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Revised: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is one of the enzymes that degrade catecholamine neurotransmitters including dopamine. The COMT gene is located on 22q11.2, a common susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. Therefore, COMT is a strong functional and positional candidate gene for schizophrenia. A common functional polymorphism (rs4680, Val158Met) has been extensively tested for an association with schizophrenia, but with conflicting results. Recent studies indicate that if COMT is implicated in susceptibility to schizophrenia, this cannot be wholly accounted for by the Val158Met polymorphism. To assess this view, the authors conducted a case-control association study (399 patients with schizophrenia and 440 control subjects) for five functional polymorphisms (rs2075507, rs737865, rs6267, rs4680 and rs165599) in Japanese subjects. There were no significant associations found between the polymorphisms or haplotypes of COMT and schizophrenia. The present study shows that these five functional COMT polymorphisms do not play a major role in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia in Japanese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Nunokawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 757 Asahimachidori-ichibancho, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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McClay JL, Fanous A, van den Oord EJCG, Webb BT, Walsh D, O'Neill FA, Kendler KS, Chen X. Catechol-O-methyltransferase and the clinical features of psychosis. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2006; 141B:935-8. [PMID: 16921496 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A functional polymorphism (Val-158-Met) at the Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) locus has been identified as a potential etiological factor in schizophrenia. Yet the association has not been convincingly replicated across independent samples. We hypothesized that phenotypic heterogeneity might be diluting the COMT effect. To clarify the putative association, we performed an exploratory analysis to test for association between COMT and five psychosis symptom scales. These were derived through factor analysis of the Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychiatric Illness. Our sample was the Irish Study of High Density Schizophrenia Families, a large collection consisting of 268 multiplex families. This sample has previously shown a small but significant effect of the COMT Val allele in conferring risk for schizophrenia. We tested for preferential transmission of COMT alleles from parent to affected offspring (n = 749) for each of the five factor-derived scales (negative symptoms, delusions, hallucinations, mania, and depression). Significant overtransmission of the Val allele was found for mania (P < 0.05) and depression (P = 0.01) scales. Examination of odds ratios (ORs) revealed a heterogeneous effect of COMT, whereby it had no effect on Negative Symptoms, but largest impact on Depression (OR = 1.4). These results suggest a modest affective vulnerability conferred by this allele in psychosis, but will require replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L McClay
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0126, USA.
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Fujii K, Maeda K, Hikida T, Mustafa AK, Balkissoon R, Xia J, Yamada T, Ozeki Y, Kawahara R, Okawa M, Huganir RL, Ujike H, Snyder SH, Sawa A. Serine racemase binds to PICK1: potential relevance to schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2006; 11:150-7. [PMID: 16314870 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from both genetic and clinico-pharmacological studies suggests that D-serine, an endogenous coagonist to the NMDA subtype glutamate receptor, may be implicated in schizophrenia (SZ). Although an association of genes for D-serine degradation, such as D-amino acid oxidase and G72, has been reported, a role for D-serine in SZ has been unclear. In this study, we identify and characterize protein interacting with C-kinase (PICK1) as a protein interactor of the D-serine synthesizing enzyme, serine racemase (SR). The binding of endogenous PICK1 and SR requires the PDZ domain of PICK1. The gene coding for PICK1 is located at chromosome 22q13, a region frequently linked to SZ. In a case-control association study using well-characterized Japanese subjects, we observe an association of the PICK1 gene with SZ, which is more prominent in disorganized SZ. Our findings implicating PICK1 as a susceptibility gene for SZ are consistent with a role for D-serine in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fujii
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Srivastava V, Varma PG, Prasad S, Semwal P, Nimgaonkar VL, Lerer B, Deshpande SN, BK T. Genetic susceptibility to tardive dyskinesia among schizophrenia subjects: IV. Role of dopaminergic pathway gene polymorphisms. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2006; 16:111-7. [PMID: 16424823 DOI: 10.1097/01.fpc.0000184957.98150.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an antipsychotic induced side effect observed in 20-30% of schizophrenia subjects on long-term typical antipsychotic treatment. We tested the possible association of 24 polymorphisms from six dopaminergic genes: namely, dopamine receptors D1, D2, D3, D4; the dopamine transporter (DAT); and the catalyzing enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), with TD. METHODS Multiple SNP/VNTR markers from candidate genes were analyzed using suitable approaches and allelic, genotypic and haplotypic associations were tested. RESULTS 120 bp duplication marker, 1.2 kb upstream from initiation codon of DRD4 gene showed a significant genotypic association [chi2 = 9.29, P = 0.009; OR (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.31-0.86) for genotype 120 dup/120 dup]. In the COMT gene, a significant allelic [chi2 = 13.87, P = 0.0002] as well as genotypic association [chi2 = 16.08, P = 0.0003; OR (95% CI) = 0.24 (0.11-0.55) for genotype GG] was observed with the 408 C>G (exon 4) single nucleotide polymorphism and a significant genotypic association [chi2 = 6.32, P = 0.04; OR (95% CI) = 0.50 (0.33-0.92) for genotype GG] was observed with 472 G > A (exon 4, Val 158 Met) SNP. 120 bp dup-T-repeat 3 in DRD4 and G-C-A-insC in COMT genes were observed to be TD associated haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents a detailed analysis of the possible role of dopaminergic genes in the genesis of TD. DRD4 and COMT genes were observed to be the most important candidates in North Indian schizophrenia subjects. These suggestive associations need to be investigated in replicate studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Srivastava
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110 021, India
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Michaelovsky E, Frisch A, Leor S, Stein D, Danziger Y, Carel C, Fennig S, Mimouni M, Klauck SM, Benner A, Poustka A, Apter A, Weizman A. Haplotype analysis of the COMT-ARVCF gene region in Israeli anorexia nervosa family trios. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2005; 139B:45-50. [PMID: 16118784 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and complex psychiatric disorder with a significant genetic contribution. Previously, we found an association between AN and the 158Val/Met polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene in a family-based study of 51 Israeli AN trios. In the present study, we extended the original sample to include 85 family trios [66 AN restricting (AN-R) and 19 bingeing/purging (AN-BP) subtype] and performed a family-based transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis for five SNPs in the COMT and two in the adjacent ARVCF gene. Association was found between AN-R and several SNPs in the COMT-ARVCF region including the 158Val/Met polymorphism. TDT analysis of 5-SNP haplotypes in AN-R trios revealed an overall statistically significant transmission disequilibrium (P < 0.001). Specifically, haplotype B [COMT-186C-408G-472G(158Val)-ARVCF-659C(220Pro)-524T(175Val)] was preferentially transmitted (P < 0.001) from parents of AN-R patients to their affected daughters, while haplotype A [COMT-186T-408C-472A(158Met)-ARVCF-659T(220Leu)-524C(175Ala)] was preferentially (P = 0.01) not transmitted. Haplotype B was associated with increased risk (RR 3.38; 0.95CI 1.98-6.43) while haplotype A exhibited a protective effect (RR 0.40; 0.95CI 0.21-0.70) for AN-R. Preferential transmission of the risk alleles and haplotypes from the parents was mostly contributed by the fathers. No significant transmission disequilibrium of alleles or haplotypes was found for AN-BP trios. The risk and protective haplotypes may carry molecular variations in the COMT gene or its vicinity that are relevant to the pathophysiology of restrictive anorexia nervosa in the Israeli-Jewish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Michaelovsky
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel
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Strous RD, Lapidus R, Viglin D, Kotler M, Lachman HM. Analysis of an association between the COMT polymorphism and clinical symptomatology in schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2005; 393:170-3. [PMID: 16233957 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Revised: 09/03/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Based on their metabolic inactivation of dopamine and norepinephrine, genes encoding the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme are appropriate candidates to consider in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. COMT enzyme activity is regulated by a common polymorphism causing substantial variations in enzymatic activity, and evidence for allelic or genotypic association with cognitive and behavioral features of schizophrenia has been noted. Since the role of COMT in schizophrenia remains inconclusive, we determined whether any association exists between COMT genotypes and clinical symptomatology in a large cohort of schizophrenia subjects. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood in 111 patients with DSM-IV criteria schizophrenia (77 M, 34 F) and genotyped for COMT polymorphisms. Subjects were also were rated by means of the PANSS and the CGI. No association was found between COMT genotype or allele frequency and gender. No associations were observed between COMT and CGI or PANSS scores. Our findings do not support hypotheses regarding associations between COMT polymorphisms and clinical state in schizophrenia, contrary to other studies suggesting involvement of the COMT polymorphism with schizophrenia phenotype. Thus, while speculative, it may be suggested that a modifying gene may be required in order for the COMT polymorphism to manifest at the clinical level in schizophrenia with one set of susceptibility genes being more sensitive to COMT enzyme variability than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael D Strous
- Beer Yaakov Mental Health Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, PO Box 1, Beer Yaakov 70350, Israel.
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35
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Munafò MR, Bowes L, Clark TG, Flint J. Lack of association of the COMT (Val158/108 Met) gene and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of case-control studies. Mol Psychiatry 2005; 10:765-70. [PMID: 15824744 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence for a genetic contribution to schizophrenia, but the contribution of individual candidate genes remains uncertain. We attempted to replicate a recent meta-analysis that reported an association of the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val allele with schizophrenia, and suggested that this effect may be moderated by ancestry. We included reports published subsequent to the original meta-analysis, and included a formal test of the moderating effect of ancestry in order to test whether the association operates differently in populations of European ancestry compared to populations of Asian ancestry. A corrected P-value for the 5% significance threshold was employed where appropriate, using Bonferroni's method, and studies that demonstrated departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among controls were excluded. When all studies were included in a meta-regression, there was evidence for a significant association of COMT Val allele frequency with schizophrenia case status and a significant main effect of ancestry. The interaction of COMT Val allele frequency and ancestry was also significant. However, when only studies that reported allele frequencies that did not depart significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among controls were included, these effects were no longer significant. The results of our meta-analysis do not support an association between the COMT Val allele and schizophrenia case status, and do not support recent claims that this association may be moderated by ancestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Munafò
- Cancer Research UK GPRG, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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36
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Bearden CE, Jawad AF, Lynch DR, Monterossso JR, Sokol S, McDonald-McGinn DM, Saitta SC, Harris SE, Moss E, Wang PP, Zackai E, Emanuel BS, Simon TJ. Effects of COMT genotype on behavioral symptomatology in the 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Child Neuropsychol 2005; 11:109-17. [PMID: 15846854 PMCID: PMC2810976 DOI: 10.1080/09297040590911239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome) is associated with elevated rates of psychosis, and is also characterized by severe attentional difficulties and executive dysfunction. Behavioral manifestations of this syndrome could result from haploinsufficiency of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, located within the 22q11 region. The goal of the present study was to examine COMT genotype in relation to behavioral symptomatology in this syndrome. Val158/108Met was genotyped in 38 patients (16 Met/-, 22 Val/-) with confirmed 22q11.2 deletions who had received the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Results indicated that the Val genotype was associated with significantly greater internalizing and externalizing behavioral symptomatology in children with 22q11.2 deletions. Val allele status was associated with a greater-than-four-fold increase in risk for clinically significant behavior problems in children with this syndrome. These data are consistent with previous findings of increased psychopathology associated with the Val genotype in normal individuals and suggest that a functional genetic polymorphism in the 22q11 region may influence behavior in individuals with COMT haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Bearden
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Sanders AR, Rusu I, Duan J, Vander Molen JE, Hou C, Schwab SG, Wildenauer DB, Martinez M, Gejman PV. Haplotypic association spanning the 22q11.21 genes COMT and ARVCF with schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2005; 10:353-65. [PMID: 15340358 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been implicated in schizophrenia by its function through its roles in monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism and its impact on prefrontal cognition, and also by its position through linkage scans and a strong cytogenetic association. Further support comes from association studies, especially family-based ones examining the COMT variant, Val(108/158)Met. We have studied eight markers spanning COMT and including portions of the two immediately adjacent genes, thioredoxin reductase 2 and armadillo repeat deleted in velocardiofacial syndrome (ARVCF), using association testing in 136 schizophrenia families. We found nominal evidence for association of illness to rs165849 (P=0.051) in ARVCF, and a stronger signal (global P=0.0019-0.0036) from three-marker haplotypes spanning the 3' portions of COMT and ARVCF, including Val(108/158)Met with Val(108/158) being the overtransmitted allele, consistent with previous studies. We also find Val(108/158)Met to be in linkage disequilibrium with the markers in ARVCF. These findings support previous association signals of schizophrenia to COMT markers, and suggest that ARVCF might contribute to this signal. ARVCF, a member of the catenin family, besides being a positional candidate, is also one due to its function, that is, its potential role in neurodevelopment, which is implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis by several lines of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute, Center for Psychiatric Genetics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
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38
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Ho BC, Wassink TH, O'Leary DS, Sheffield VC, Andreasen NC. Catechol-O-methyl transferase Val158Met gene polymorphism in schizophrenia: working memory, frontal lobe MRI morphology and frontal cerebral blood flow. Mol Psychiatry 2005; 10:229, 287-98. [PMID: 15668720 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene is considered a leading schizophrenia candidate gene. Although its role in increasing schizophrenia susceptibility has been conflicting, recent studies suggest the valine allele may contribute to poor cognitive function in schizophrenia. V(158)M COMT genotype was obtained on 159 schizophrenia patients and 84 healthy controls. The effects of COMT genotype on four measures of working memory/executive functions (Wisconsin Card Sorting, digit span backward, Trail Making and N-back tests) and on MRI frontal brain volumes were examined. Genotype distributions were not significantly different between patients and controls. There were no significant genotype or genotype-by-group effects on any working memory/executive function measures. No genotype or genotype-by-diagnosis interaction effects were found with MRI frontal lobe volumes. Randomization analyses using [(15)O]H(2)O positron emission tomography (PET) cerebral blood flow data found Val/Val patients had higher frontal lobe activation than Met/Met patients while performing the one-back task. Overall, these findings do not support a major role for COMT in increasing susceptibility for schizophrenia or in mediating frontal lobe function. Age-related changes and phenotypic heterogeneity of schizophrenia may influence the complex relationships between COMT genotype and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- B-C Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52252, USA.
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39
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Fan JB, Zhang CS, Gu NF, Li XW, Sun WW, Wang HY, Feng GY, St Clair D, He L. Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene Val/Met functional polymorphism and risk of schizophrenia: a large-scale association study plus meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry 2005; 57:139-44. [PMID: 15652872 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2004] [Revised: 09/22/2004] [Accepted: 10/11/2004] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common functional polymorphism (Val/Met) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) that markedly affects enzyme activity has been shown to affect executive cognition and the physiology of the prefrontal cortex in humans. It is hypothesized that the high activity Val allele slightly increases risk for schizophrenia through its effect on dopamine-mediated prefrontal information processing. METHODS We compared the allele/genotype frequencies of the Val/Met polymorphism in a large independent patient-control sample (862 patient and 928 healthy control subjects) from Han Chinese population, and an update meta-analysis was performed to assess the collective evidence across individual studies. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in allele or genotype frequencies between patient and normal control subjects, although a nonsignificant overrepresentation of the Val allele in schizophrenia patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .94-1.26) was suggested. Comparatively, the meta-analysis of all published population-based association studies showed statistically significant evidence for heterogeneity among the group of studies. Stratification of the studies by ethnicity of the samples yielded no significant evidence for an association with the Val allele in Asian population (OR = .96, 95% CI = .85-1.09), nor in European population (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = .95-1.19). CONCLUSIONS Our data provide minimal evidence that the Val allele is a susceptibility factor for schizophrenia in either European or Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bo Fan
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, SIBS, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Bio-X Life Science Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
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Chen HY, Yeh JI, Hong CJ, Chen CH. Mutation analysis of ARVCF gene on chromosome 22q11 as a candidate for a schizophrenia gene. Schizophr Res 2005; 72:275-7. [PMID: 15560973 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2004.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Katsel PL, Davis KL, Haroutunian V. Large-Scale Microarray Studies of Gene Expression in Multiple Regions of the Brain in Schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2005; 63:41-82. [PMID: 15797465 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(05)63003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel L Katsel
- Department of Psychiatry, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, New York 10029 USA
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Zubenko GS, Maher B, Hughes HB, Zubenko WN, Stiffler JS, Kaplan BB, Marazita ML. Genome-wide linkage survey for genetic loci that influence the development of depressive disorders in families with recurrent, early-onset, major depression. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2003; 123B:1-18. [PMID: 14582139 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.20073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we describe the results of the first genome-wide linkage survey for genetic loci that influence the development of unipolar Mood Disorders in 81 families identified by individuals with Recurrent, Early-Onset, Major Depressive Disorder (RE-MDD). Model-free linkage analysis was performed using genotypes for 392 highly informative polymorphisms with an average spacing of 9 cM. The highest maximum LOD score observed, 8.19 (genome-wide adjusted P << 0.0001), occurred for Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder (R-MDD) at D2S2321 (205 cM), located 121 kb proximal to CREB1. Nineteen chromosomal regions contained linkage peaks that reached genome-wide statistical significance (genome-wide adjusted P < 0.05) and ten of these were "highly significant" (adjusted P < 0.001). Six of the 19 linkage peaks were revealed only when the analysis included covariates to control for the effects of sex and linkage to CREB1. Sex-specific susceptibility loci were common and preferentially affected the vulnerability of women to developing unipolar Mood Disorders. Five loci revealed evidence of interaction with the CREB1 locus in determining susceptibility (epistasis). A systematic candidate gene analysis is presented and potential overlaps of the linkage regions for unipolar Mood Disorders with those reported for other psychiatric disorders are discussed. The findings suggest that genes whose products participate in cellular signaling pathways that converge on CREB, as well as the target genes whose expression they regulate, may also harbor alleles that affect the development of Mood Disorders and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Zubenko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Illi A, Mattila KM, Kampman O, Anttila S, Roivas M, Lehtimäki T, Leinonen E. Catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase A genotypes and drug response to conventional neuroleptics in schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2003; 23:429-34. [PMID: 14520117 DOI: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000088916.02635.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Biogenic amine synthesis and degradation are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase enzymes are important agents in the metabolic inactivation of these neurotransmitters (ie, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine). Functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase A genes causes variation in enzyme activities. We investigated the relationship of catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met and monoamine oxidase A promoter repeat polymorphism with response to conventional neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenia.Ninety-four schizophrenic patients formed 2 different study populations. The responders had experienced a fair and steady response to conventional neuroleptics. The nonresponders had failed to achieve an acceptable response to conventional neuroleptics. We also used a control population of 94 age-matched and gender-matched blood donors. Genotyping of the catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase A genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction.Forty-three percent of the nonresponders had a low activity catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype compared with 16% of the responders (P = 0.009). Monoamine oxidase A genotype alone did not differ significantly between the groups. Moreover, the risk of having both low-activity catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase A genotypes was over 6 times more common (odds ratio = 6.16, P = 0.03) in the nonresponders compared with responders. The whole population of patients with schizophrenia did not differ from the controls.The low-activity catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype may be associated with unsatisfactory drug response to conventional neuroleptics or alternatively be involved in a subset of schizophrenics. The role of monoamine oxidase A genotype seems to be additive in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Illi
- Department of Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
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Illi A, Kampman O, Anttila S, Roivas M, Mattila KM, Lehtimäki T, Leinonen E. Interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme and catechol-O-methyltransferase genotypes in schizophrenics with poor response to conventional neuroleptics. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2003; 13:147-51. [PMID: 12729939 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(02)00176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) modulates dopamine turnover in the brain and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme is an important agent in the metabolic inactivation of dopamine and norepinephrine. Functional polymorphism in the COMT and ACE genes causes variation in enzyme activities. We investigated the relationship of COMT and ACE gene polymorphism with response to conventional neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenia. In this study population we had earlier detected that COMT genotype is associated with unsatisfactory drug response. A total of 94 schizophrenic patients were evaluated either as responders (n=43) or non-responders (n=51). The responders had experienced a fair and steady response to conventional neuroleptics. The non-responders had failed to achieve an acceptable response to conventional neuroleptics. We also used a control population of 94 age- and gender-matched blood donors. Genotyping of the COMT and ACE genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction. The risk of having both low activity COMT and high activity ACE genotypes was over 10 times higher (odds ratio=10.89, 95%CI 1.14-103.98, P=0.04) in the non-responders compared to responders. ACE genotype alone did not differ between any groups. This finding may suggest a possible interaction with low activity COMT and high activity ACE genotype in association with poor response to conventional neuroleptics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Illi
- Tampere University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Tampere, Finland.
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Kato T, Kosaka K, Kimura M, Imamura SI, Yamada O, Iwai K, Ando M, Joh-o K, Kuroe K, Ohtake A, Takao A, Momma K, Matsuoka R. Thrombocytopenia in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and its association with glycoprotein Ib-beta. Genet Med 2003; 5:113-9. [PMID: 12644781 DOI: 10.1097/01.gim.0000056828.03164.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate whether thrombocytopenia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients is associated with the hemizygosity of glycoprotein Ib-beta and to clarify the correlation of phenotype and genotype of this gene in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients with thrombocytopenia. METHODS Platelet number, mean platelet volume, platelet agglutination, and the protein level of glycoprotein Ib-beta were measured in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients and controls. Phenotypes other than that of thrombocytopenia were also analyzed in these patients. RESULTS The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients with thrombocytopenia had a larger mean platelet volume, lower agglutination to ristocetin, and lower protein level of glycoprotein Ib-beta than control patients. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients with thrombocytopenia showed an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Thrombocytopenia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients is associated with decreased expression of glycoprotein Ib-beta because of the hemizygosity. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients with thrombocytopenia require total management, especially for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Avramopoulos D, Stefanis NC, Hantoumi I, Smyrnis N, Evdokimidis I, Stefanis CN. Higher scores of self reported schizotypy in healthy young males carrying the COMT high activity allele. Mol Psychiatry 2003; 7:706-11. [PMID: 12192614 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2001] [Revised: 11/22/2001] [Accepted: 12/17/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The gene for COMT is located on chromosome 22q11, an area that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia through linkage studies and through the detection of deletions in schizophrenics and velocardiofacial syndrome patients that often present psychotic symptomatology. Additionally catechol-O-methyl transferase activity has been found increased in schizophrenia and a functional polymorphism in the COMT gene itself has been associated with the disease, as well as with aggression in patients. We tested the hypothesis that COMT genotype for the functional Val158Met might contribute to the variance of self reported schizotypy and aggression scores in the normal population. We genotyped 379 healthy 18- to 24-year-old male individuals who had completed the PAS, SPQ and AQ questionnaires. Our results showed that self-reported schizotypy scores in both questionnaires were significantly related to COMT genotype (P = 0.028 for the PAS and P = 0.015 for the SPQ) with individuals homozygous for the high activity allele showing the highest scores. No significant differences were detected for AQ scores. We conclude that the COMT genotype for the functional Val158Met polymorphism is correlated to self-reported schizotypy in healthy males. This finding is in the same direction as reported findings on schizophrenia and it adds to the list of evidence that COMT or a nearby gene in linkage disequilibrium is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Avramopoulos
- University Mental Health Research Institute, Argyrocastrou and Ionias St, Papagou, Athens 15669, Greece
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Chiu YF, McGrath JA, Thornquist MH, Wolyniec PS, Nestadt G, Swartz KL, Lasseter VK, Liang KY, Pulver AE. Genetic heterogeneity in schizophrenia II: conditional analyses of affected schizophrenia sibling pairs provide evidence for an interaction between markers on chromosome 8p and 14q. Mol Psychiatry 2003; 7:658-64. [PMID: 12140791 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2001] [Revised: 07/30/2001] [Accepted: 07/30/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Information from multiple genome scans and collaborative efforts suggests that schizophrenia is a heterogeneous, complex disorder with polygenic and environmental antecedents. In a previous paper we demonstrated that stratification of families on the basis of co-segregating phenotypes (psychotic affective disorders (PAD) and schizophrenia spectrum personality disorders (SSPD) in first-degree relatives of schizophrenic probands increased linkage evidence in the chromosome 8p21 region (D8S1771) among families with co-segregating SSPD. We have now applied a method of conditional analysis of sib-pairs affected with schizophrenia, examining shared alleles identical-by-descent (IBD) at multiple loci. The method yields enhanced evidence for linkage to the chromosome 8p21 region conditioned upon increased allele sharing at a chromosome 14 region. The method produces a more refined estimate of the putative disease locus on chromosome 8p21, narrowing the region from 18 cM (95% confidence interval) in our previous genome scan, to approximately 9.6 cM. We have also shown that the affected siblings sharing two alleles IBD at the chromosome 8p21 region and one allele IBD at the chromosome 14 region differ significantly in clinical symptoms from non-sharing affected siblings. Thus the analysis of allele sharing at a putative schizophrenia susceptibility locus conditioned on allele sharing at other loci provides another important method for dealing with heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y F Chiu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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48
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Fan JB, Chen WY, Tang JX, Li S, Gu NF, Feng GY, Breen G, St Clair D, He L. Family-based association studies of COMT gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the Chinese population. Mol Psychiatry 2002; 7:446-7. [PMID: 12082558 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abstract
There has been substantial evidence for more than three decades that the major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, and alcoholism have a strong genetic basis. During the past 15 years considerable effort has been expended in trying to establish the genetic loci associated with susceptibility to these and other mental disorders using principally linkage analysis. Despite this, only a handful of specific genes have been identified, and it is now generally recognized that further advances along these lines will require the analysis of literally hundreds of affected individuals and their families. Fortunately, the emergence in the past three years of a number of new approaches and more effective tools has given new hope to those engaged in the search for the underlying genetic and environmental factors involved in causing these illnesses, which collectively are among the most serious in all societies. Chief among these new tools is the availability of the entire human genome sequence and the prospect that within the next several years the entire complement of human genes will be known and the functions of most of their protein products elucidated. In the meantime the search for susceptibility loci is being facilitated by the availability of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and by the beginning of haplotype mapping, which tracks the distribution of clusters of SNPs that segregate as a group. Together with high throughput DNA sequencing, microarrays for whole genome scanning, advances in proteomics, and the development of more sophisticated computer programs for analyzing sequence and association data, these advances hold promise of greatly accelerating the search for the genetic basis of most mental illnesses while, at the same time, providing molecular targets for the development of new and more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Maxwell Cowan
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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50
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most common, devastating, and least understood neuropsychiatric illnesses present in the human population. Despite decades of research involving neurochemical, neuroanatomical, neuropathologic, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, and genetic approaches, no clear etiopathophysiology has been elucidated. Among the most robust findings, however, is the contribution of genetics to disease development. Statistical models suggest that susceptibility to the disorder is governed by the effects of multiple genes, coupled with environmental and stochastic factors. This review briefly summarizes recent etiopathologic findings and hypotheses, with special attention to genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet L Sobell
- Division of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, Calif, USA
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