No interaction of GABA(A) alpha-1 subunit and dopamine receptor D4 exon 3 genes in symptomatology of major psychoses.
Previously, we reported on an association of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene with delusional symptomatology of major psychoses. However, despite the strength of the association, it only accounted for 2% of the variance, indicating that contributions from other genes were probable. In the present study, we investigated the original cohort of subjects to evaluate the gene for the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor alpha-1 subunit (GABRA1). The possible association of GABRA1 with the psychopathology of major psychoses was tested both alone and in interaction with DRD4. Four hundred and sixty-one inpatients affected by major psychoses were assessed by the operational criteria checklist for psychotic illness (OPCRIT) and were also typed for the DRD4 and GABRA1 variants using PCR techniques. Mania, depression, delusion, and disorganization were the four symptomatologic factors used as phenotype definitions. GABRA1 variants were not associated with these symptomatologic factors, and consideration of possible stratification effects such as sex and psychiatric diagnosis also did not reveal any association. GABRA1 variants did not significantly influence the association of DRD4 with delusional symptoms. No interaction was observed on the other symptom factors. The GABA(A) alpha-1 subunit gene does not, therefore, interact with DRD4 in the symptomatology of major psychoses.
Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Scientifico H. San Raffaele, University of Milan School of Medicine, Italy. serretti.alessandro@mail.hsr.it
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Serretti
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Macciardi
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Cusin
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Lattuada
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Lilli
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Di Bella
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Catalano
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Smeraldi
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
C493599:DRD4 protein, human; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4