No effect of schizophrenia risk genes MIR137, TCF4, and ZNF804A on macroscopic brain structure

Schizophr Res. 2014 Nov;159(2-3):329-32. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.08.007. Epub 2014 Sep 10.

Abstract

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MIR137, TCF4, and ZNF804A genes show genome-wide association to schizophrenia. However, the biological basis for the associations is unknown. Here, we tested the effects of these genes on brain structure in 1300 healthy adults. Using volumetry and voxel-based morphometry, neither gene-wide effects--including the combined effect of the genes--nor single SNP effects--including specific psychosis risk SNPs--were found on total brain volume, grey matter, white matter, or hippocampal volume. These results suggest that the associations between these risk genes and schizophrenia are unlikely to be mediated via effects on macroscopic brain structure.

Keywords: Brain volume; Genetic neuroimaging; TCF4; ZNF804A; miR-137.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*
  • Schizophrenia / pathology*
  • Transcription Factor 4
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • MIRN137 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • TCF4 protein, human
  • Transcription Factor 4
  • Transcription Factors
  • ZNF804A protein, human