Altered Expression Of A Unique Set Of Genes Reveals Complex Etiology Of Schizophrenia

PurposeThe etiology of schizophrenia is extensively debated, and multiple factors have been contended to be involved. A panoramic view of the contributing factors in a genome-wide study can be an effective strategy to provide a comprehensive understanding of its causality.\n\nMaterials and MethodsGSE53987 dataset downloaded from GEO-database, which comprised mRNA expression data of post-mortem brain tissue across three regions from control and age-matched subjects of schizophrenia (N= Hippocampus (HIP): C-15, T-18, Prefrontal cortex (PFC): C-15, T-19, Associative striatum (STR): C-18, T-18). Bio-conductor-affy-package used to compute mRNA expression, and further t-test applied to investigate differential gene expression. The analysis of the derived genes performed using PANTHER Classification System and NCBI database.\n\nResultsA set of 40 genes showed significantly altered (p<0.01) expression across all three brain regions. The analyses unraveled genes implicated in biological processes and events, and molecular pathways relating basic neuronal functions.\n\nConclusionsThe deviant expression of genes maintaining basic cell machinery explains compromised neuronal processing in SCZ.\n\nAbbreviationsSchizophrenia (SCZ), Hippocampus (HIP), Associative striatum (STR), Prefrontal cortex (PFC)