DNA Methylation of BDNF Gene in Schizophrenia

摘要: BACKGROUND Although genetic factors are risk for schizophrenia, some environmental thought to be required the manifestation of disease. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene functions without causing a change in nucleotide sequence DNA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is neurotrophin that regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. It has been suggested BDNF may play role pathophysiology schizophrenia. established methylation status associated with fear learning, memory, stressful social interactions. In this study, we aimed investigate DNA patients MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 49 (33 male 16 female) schizophrenia 65 unrelated healthy controls (46 19 female). Determination pattern CpG islands was based on principle bisulfite treatment results conversion unmethylated cytosine residues into uracil, whereas methylated remain unmodified. Methylation-specific PCR performed primers specific either or RESULTS There no significant difference un-methylated promoters between controls. mean duration illness significantly lower hemi-methylated group compared non-methylated island-1 patients. CONCLUSIONS there were differences controls, an association methylation.