GSBS Program
Neuroscience
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Date
4-10-2008
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Bipolar Disorder; CpG Islands; *DNA Methylation; Humans; Schizophrenia
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
The etiology of the major psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, remains poorly understood. Postmortem brain studies have revealed altered expression of multiple mRNAs, affecting neurotransmission, metabolism, myelination and other functions. Epigenetic mechanisms could be involved, because for a limited number of genes, the alterations of mRNA levels have been linked to inverse DNA methylation changes at sites of the corresponding promoters. However, results from independent studies have been inconsistent, and when expressed in quantitative terms, disease-related methylation changes appear to be comparatively subtle. A recent study identified approximately 100 loci with altered CpG methylation in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, the majority of which were gender-specific. Additional work will be necessary to clarify the origin and timing of these methylation changes in psychosis and to determine the specific cell types affected in the diseased brain.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Epigenetics. 2008 Mar-Apr;3(2):55-8. Epub 2008 Mar 19.