Evaluation of a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia: genotype based meta-analysis of RGS4 polymorphisms from thirteen independent samples.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Associations between schizophrenia (SCZ) and polymorphisms at the regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (RGS4) gene have been reported (single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] 1, 4, 7, and 18). Yet, similar to other SCZ candidate genes, studies have been inconsistent with respect to the associated alleles.

METHODS:

In an effort to resolve the role for RGS4 in SCZ susceptibility, we undertook a genotype-based meta-analysis using both published and unpublished family-based and case-control samples (total n = 13,807).

RESULTS:

The family-based dataset consisted of 10 samples (2160 families). Significant associations with individual SNPs/haplotypes were not observed. In contrast, global analysis revealed significant transmission distortion (p = .0009). Specifically, analyses suggested overtransmission of two common haplotypes that account for the vast majority of all haplotypes. Separate analyses of 3486 cases and 3755 control samples (eight samples) detected a significant association with SNP 4 (p = .01). Individual haplotype analyses were not significant, but evaluation of test statistics from individual samples suggested significant associations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our collaborative meta-analysis represents one of the largest SCZ association studies to date. No individual risk factor arose from our analyses, but interpretation of these results is not straightforward. Our analyses suggest risk due to at least two common haplotypes in the presence of heterogeneity. Similar analysis for other putative susceptibility genes is warranted.

• Authors: Michael E Talkowski, Howard Seltman, Anne S Bassett, Linda M Brzustowicz, Xiangning Chen, Kodavali V Chowdari, David A Collier, Quirino Cordeiro, Aiden P Corvin, Smita N Deshpande, Michael F Egan, Michael Gill, Kenneth S Kendler, George Kirov, Leonard L Heston, Pat Levitt, David A Lewis, Tao Li, Karoly Mirnics, Derek W Morris, Nadine Norton, Michael C O'Donovan, Michael J Owen, Christian Richard, Prachi Semwal, Janet L Sobell, David St Clair, Richard E Straub, B K Thelma, Homero Vallada, Daniel R Weinberger, Nigel M Williams, Joel Wood, Feng Zhang, Bernie Devlin, Vishwajit L Nimgaonkar
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 60 Issue 2 Pg. 152-62 (Jul 15 2006) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16631129 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Case-Control Studies
• Databases, Genetic
• Family
• Genotype
• Humans
• Linkage Disequilibrium (genetics)
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Publication Bias
• Quality Control
• Schizophrenia (genetics)