Study of ZNF804A and DISC1 Genes in Iranian Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic psychological disorder characterized by a set of symptoms including illusions, speech and behavioral disorders, and cognitive impairment. Schizophrenia is a complex multiple disorder, and the biggest risk factor for it is a positive family history. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphism of ZNF804A and DISC1 genes in patients with schizophrenia in Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 50 patients with schizophrenia and 50 healthy controls were evaluated. The PCR-RFLP method was used to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphism in both groups of patients and control. For enzymatic digestion of PCR products, rs1344706 and rs6675281 were amplified and digested using MboI and BseLI enzymes at 37 ° C for 16 hours, respectively.

Results: The frequency of TT, GT and GG genotypes for ZNF804A gene in rs1344706 was 26%, 52%, and 22%, respectively, and in healthy subjects 46%, 42%, and 8%, respectively. In the DISC1 gene, the frequency of TT, CT and CC genotypes in the rs6675281 region was 2%, 14%, and 84%, respectively, and 2%, 14%, and 80%, respectively, in healthy subjects or controls, respectively.

Conclusion: Frequency of homozygous GG and heterozygote GT genotypes was 8% and 14% higher than healthy subjects, but the frequency of homozygous TT in healthy subjects was 22% higher than those with schizophrenia for ZNF804A gene in rs1344706 region. However, in case of DISC1 gene, the frequency of TT, CT and CC genotypes in the rs6675281 region was very similar in healthy and healthy subjects, and there was no significant difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes. Therefore, the result of our study can be a way to providing suitable information about the disease in order to prepare patients and family and to program adjusted treatment to prevent major injuries.