VRK2 gene expression in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and healthy controls. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tesli, Martin; Wirgenes, Katrine Verena; Hughes, Timothy; Bettella, Francesco; Athanasiu, Lavinia; Hoseth, Eva S.; Nerhus, Mari; Lagerberg, Trine V.; Steen, Nils E.; Agartz, Ingrid; Melle, Ingrid; Dieset, Ingrid; Djurovic, Srdjan; Andreassen, Ole A.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 209:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.161950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Common variants in the Vaccinia-related kinase 2 ( VRK2 ) gene have been associated with schizophrenia, but the relevance of its encoded protein VRK2 in the disorder remains unclear. Aims: To identify potential differences in VRK2 gene expression levels between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified (PNOS) and healthy controls. Method: VRK2 mRNA level was measured in whole blood in 652 individuals (schizophrenia, n = 201; bipolar disorder, n = 167; PNOS, n = 61; healthy controls, n = 223), and compared across diagnostic categories and subcategories. Additionally, we analysed for association between 1566 VRK2 single nucleotide polymorphisms and mRNA levels. Results: We found lower VRK2 mRNA levels in schizophrenia compared with healthy controls ( P <10 –12 ), bipolar disorder ( P <10 –12 ) and PNOS ( P = 0.0011), and lower levels in PNOS than in healthy controls ( P = 0.0042) and bipolar disorder ( P = 0.00026). Expression quantitative trait loci in close proximity to the transcription start site of the short isoforms of the VRK2 gene were identified. Conclusions: Altered VRK2 gene expression seems specific for schizophrenia and PNOS, which is in accordance with findings from genome-wide association studies. These results suggest that reduced VRK2 mRNA levels are involved in the underlying mechanisms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.