Association between the SLC6A3 A1343G polymorphism and schizophrenia

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the genetic component is an important risk factor for the development of schizophrenia. The genes that codify the different compounds of the dopaminergic system have created interest for molecular investigations in patients with schizophrenia because the antipsychotic drugs, especially those of first generation, act on this cerebral system. Thus the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between a new single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6347) located in exon 9 of the protein transporter (SLC6A3) and schizophrenia. The distribution of the alleles and genotypes of the studied polymorphism was investigated in a sample of 235 patients and 834 controls matched by gender and age. There were statistical differences in the allelic (χ²= 5.97, 1d.f. , p = 0.01, OR = 1.33-1.05 < OR < 1.69) and genotypic (χ² = 6.56, 2d.f. , p = 0.03) distributions between patients and controls. Thus the SLC6A3 A1343G polymorphism was associated to the SCZ phenotype in the investigated sample.