White Noise Speech Illusions: A Trait-Dependent Risk Marker for Psychotic Disorder?
Supported by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program under grant agreement No. HEALTH-F2-2009-241909 (Project EU-GEI)
Genome-wide association study identifies multiple risk loci for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have previously identified 13 loci associated with risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL). To identify additional CLL susceptibility loci, we conducted the largest meta-analysis for CLL thus far, including four GWAS with a total of 3,100 individuals with CLL (cases) and 7,667 controls. In the meta-analysis, we identified ten independent associated SNPs in nine new loci at 10q23.31 (ACTA2 or FAS (ACTA2/FAS), P = 1.22 × 10-14), 18q21.33 (BCL2, P = 7.76 × 10-11), 11p15.5 (C11orf21, P = 2.15 × 10 -10), 4q25 (LEF1, P = 4.24 × 10-10), 2q33.1 (CASP10 or CASP8 (CASP10/CASP8), P = 2.50 × 10-9), 9p21.3 (CDKN2B-AS1, P = 1.27 × 10…
The EUropean Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI)
Funder: FP7 Ideas: European Research Council; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100011199; Grant(s): HEALTH-F2-2010-241909
The molecular characterization of a depurinated trial DNA sample can be a model to understand the reliability of the results in forensic genetics
The role of DNA damage in PCR processivity/fidelity is a relevant topic in molecular investigation of aged/forensic samples. In order to reproduce one of the most common lesions occurring in postmortem tissues, a new protocol based on aqueous hydrolysis of the DNA was developed in vitro. Twenty-five forensic laboratories were then provided with 3.0 μg of a trial sample (TS) exhibiting, in mean, the loss of 1 base of 20, and a molecular weight below 300 bp. Each participating laboratory could freely choose any combination of methods, leading to the quantification and to the definition of the STR profile of the TS, through the documentation of each step of the analytical approaches selected. …
Introduction of an single nucleodite polymorphism-based “Major Y-chromosome haplogroup typing kit” suitable for predicting the geographical origin of male lineages
The European Consortium "High-throughput analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms for the forensic identification of persons--SNPforID", has performed a selection of candidate Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for making inferences on the geographic origin of an unknown sample. From more than 200 SNPs compiled in the phylogenetic tree published by the Y-Chromosome Consortium, and looking at the population studies previously published, a package of 29 SNPs has been selected for the identification of major population haplogroups. A "Major Y-chromosome haplogroup typing kit" has been developed, which allows the multiplex amplification of all 29 SNPs in a single reaction. A…
Examining the independent and joint effects of genomic and exposomic liabilities for schizophrenia across the psychosis spectrum
The EUGEI project was supported by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program under grant agreement no. HEALTH-F2-2009-241909 (Project EU-GEI). Dr O’Donovan is supported by MRC programme grant (G08005009) and an MRC Centre grant (MR/ L010305/1). Dr Rutten was funded by a VIDI award number 91718336 from the Netherlands Scientific Organisation. Drs Guloksuz and van Os are supported by the Ophelia research project, ZonMw grant number: 636340001. Dr Arango was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; Instituto de Salud Carlos III (SAM16PE07CP1, PI16/02012, PI19/024); CIBERSAM; Madrid Regional Government (B2017/BMD-3740, AGES-CM-2); Fundación Familia Alonso and Fundac…
Y-chromosome STR haplotypes from a Western Mediterranean population sample
Nine Y-chromosome STRs were investigated in a male population sample from the Western Mediterranean region of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Complete nine Y-chromosomal STRs haplotypes were obtained in 140 individuals, among which 113 different haplotypes were observed. The most common haplotype was shared by 5% of the sample, while 99 haplotypes were unique. The gene diversity was 0.9892 and the discrimination capacity was 0.8071. Significant population differences were observed with respect to other Iberian populations, such as the Basques and Northern Portugueses.
Considerations from the European DNA profiling group (EDNAP) concerning STR nomenclature
(1) The nomenclature of any STR follows from comparison with a control allelic ladder; availability of reference allelic ladders is central to any scheme. The components of an allelic ladder should be sequenced. (2) The DNA commission recommended a nomenclature based upon the number of repeat sequences present in an allele. Whereas this method is suitable for typing simple STRs, complex hypervariable repeats such as ACTBP2 do not conform to a simple repeating structure. We propose that designation of complex STR repeats such as ACTBP2, D11S554 and APOAI1 follows from the size of specific alleles. Because the size is dependant upon the primers utilised, the size is not definitive (it may als…
Rapid microarray-based typing of forensic SNPs
The single base extension-tag array (SBE-Tag Array) method is carried out on glass slides and combines the specificity of minisequencing for SNP typing with the high throughput capacity of microarrays. Following multiplex PCR, a single tube SBE reaction is carried out, and the fluorescent labelled extension products are hybridized to the complementary DNA sequence tag (cTag) immobilized on a glass slide for locus-specific laser scan analysis. The aim is to prove and optimise the conventional microarray reaction on accuracy and efficiency for forensic applications. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Forensic validation of the SNPforID 52-plex assay.
The advantages of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing in forensic genetics are well known and include a wider choice of high-throughput typing platforms, lower mutation rates, and improved analysis of degraded samples. However, if SNPs are to become a realistic supplement to current short tandem repeat (STR) typing methods, they must be shown to successfully and reliably analyse the challenging samples commonly encountered in casework situations. The European SNPforID consortium, supported by the EU GROWTH programme, has developed a multiplex of 52 SNPs for forensic analysis, with the amplification of all 52 loci in a single reaction followed by two single base extension (SBE) react…
Online reference database of European Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) haplotypes
The reference database of highly informative Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) haplotypes (YHRD), available online at http://ystr.charite.de, represents the largest collection of male-specific genetic profiles currently available for European populations. By September 2000, YHRD contained 4688 9-locus (so-called "minimal") haplotypes, 40% of which have been extended further to include two additional loci. Establishment of YHRD has been facilitated by the joint efforts of 31 forensic and anthropological institutions. All contributing laboratories have agreed to standardize their Y-STR haplotyping protocols and to participate in a quality assurance exercise prior to the inclusion of any…
Achievement of Interlaboratory Uniformity — A Summary of Work Carried out by the EDNAP Group
This paper describes a collaborative exercise intended to demonstrate whether uniformity of DNA profiles results could be achieved between different European laboratories. It was shown that this goal would be obtained provided that a common protocol was followed (specifically the use of a common electrophoretic buffer is the most important parameter).
Mutational analysis ofBRCA1andBRCA2in Mediterranean Spanish women with early-onset breast cancer: Identification of three novel pathogenic mutations
In Spain, the contribution of BRCA mutations to the population incidence of early-onset breast cancer was unknown. We carried out a mutational analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 124 Spanish women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age 41 and who were not selected for a family history of this disease. The genetic study was performed by PCR-SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing. We identified 6 pathogenic BRCA mutations in 7 unrelated probands (5.6%; 95% CI=2.3% to 11.3%): 1 BRCA1 (c.2080delA) and 5 BRCA2 (p.Y3006X, p.Q1994X, c.9204_9217del14, c.9254_9258del5 and c.295+2T>C). Three out of 6 mutations were novel (BRCA2 p.Y3006X, c.9204_9217del14, and c.295+2T>C), and two further mutation…
Association Study of Nonsynonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Schizophrenia
Genome-wide association studies using several hundred thousand anonymous markers present limited statistical power. Alternatively, association studies restricted to common nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) have the advantage of strongly reducing the multiple testing problem, while increasing the probability of testing functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).We performed a case-control association study of common nsSNPs in Galician (northwest Spain) samples using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human 20k cSNP Kit, followed by a replication study of the more promising results. After quality control procedures, the discovery sample consisted of 5100 nsSNPs at minor allel…
Genetic data of 10 X-STRs in a Spanish population sample
In this work, we present population genetic data of 10 X-chromosome STRs (DXS8378, DXS9898, DXS8377, HPRTB, GATA172D05, DXS7423, DXS6809, DXS7132, DXS101 and DXS6789) obtained from sample of 145 unrelated female individuals belonging to Valencia (Spain), a region located in the east of the Iberian Peninsula. All the markers studied present high genetic diversities, similar to those previously reported in other European population samples. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed, with the exception of DXS101 locus. Allele frequencies and parameters of forensic interest for each X-STR were calculated. High mean exclusion chance and power of discrimination values were obtai…
The Genetic Legacy of Religious Diversity and Intolerance: Paternal Lineages of Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula
12 páginas, 6 figuras.-- et al.
A multiplex assay with 52 single nucleotide polymorphisms for human identification.
A total of 52 SNPs reported to be polymorphic in European, Asian and African populations were selected. Of these, 42 were from the distal regions of each autosome (except chromosome 19). Nearly all selected SNPs were located at least 100 kb distant from known genes and commonly used STRs. We established a highly sensitive and reproducible SNP-typing method with amplification of all 52 DNA fragments in one PCR reaction followed by detection of the SNPs with two single base extension reactions analysed using CE. The amplicons ranged from 59 to 115 bp in length. Complete SNP profiles were obtained from 500 pg DNA. The 52 loci were efficiently amplified from degraded samples where previously on…
A replication study of JTC bias, genetic liability for psychosis and delusional ideation
The EUGEI project was supported by the European Community's Seventh Framework Program under grant agreement No. HEALTH-F2-2009-241909 (Project EU-GEI). Dr O'Donovan is supported by MRC programme grant (G08005009) and an MRC Centre grant (MR/L010305/1)
Estimating Exposome Score for Schizophrenia Using Predictive Modeling Approach in Two Independent Samples: The Results From the EUGEI Study
The EUGEI project was supported by the grant agreement HEALTH-F2-2010-241909 from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme. The authors are grateful to the patients and their families for participating in the project. They also thank all research personnel involved in the GROUP project, in particular J. van Baaren, E. Veermans, G. Driessen, T. Driesen, E. van’t Hag and J. de Nijs. Bart PF Rutten was funded by a VIDI award number 91718336 from the Netherlands Scientific Organisation.
Application of whole genome amplification for forensic analysis
Abstract Fundamental to most forensic analyses is the availability of genomic DNA of adequate quality and quantity. To perform a multitude of genetic analyses and assays requires a sufficiently large amount of template. However, DNA yield from forensic samples is frequently limiting the extent of genetic typing. A possible solution to overcome this “bottleneck” of forensic and paleoarcheological DNA analyses could be the amplification of the entire genomic DNA prior to locus specific PCR analysis. Whole Genome Amplification appears to be a promising tool to obtain sufficient DNA amounts from forensic samples of limited quantity.
Analysis of 29 Y-chromosome SNPs in a single multiplex useful to predict the geographic origin of male lineages
Abstract The European Consortium “High throughput analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms for the forensic identification of persons—SNPforID” has performed a selection of candidate Y-chromosome SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) for making inferences on the geographic origin of an unknown sample. A “Major Y chromosome haplogroup typing kit” has been developed, which allows the multiplex amplification of 29 SNPs in a single reaction followed by a single base extension (SBE) reaction (minisequencing) and separation of the resulting extension products by capillary electrophoresis.
Treated Incidence of Psychotic Disorders in the Multinational EU-GEI Study
Importance: Psychotic disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden, yet the latest international incidence study of psychotic disorders was conducted in the 1980s. Objectives: To estimate the incidence of psychotic disorders using comparable methods across 17 catchment areas in 6 countries and to examine the variance between catchment areas by putative environmental risk factors. Design, Setting, and Participants: An international multisite incidence study (the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions) was conducted from May 1, 2010, to April 1, 2015, among 2774 individuals from England (2 catchment areas), France (3 catch…
Forensic typing of autosomal SNPs with a 29 SNP-multiplex--results of a collaborative EDNAP exercise.
We report the results of an inter-laboratory exercise on typing of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for forensic genetic investigations in crime cases. The European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP), a working group under the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), organised the exercise. A total of 11 European and one US forensic genetic laboratories tested a subset of a 52 SNP-multiplex PCR kit developed by the SNPforID consortium. The 52 SNP-multiplex kit amplifies 52 DNA fragments with 52 autosomal SNP loci in one multiplex PCR. The 52 SNPs are detected in two separate single base extension (SBE) multiplex reactions with 29 and 23 SNPs, respectively, using SNaPshot …
Data for nine autosomal STRs markers from Valencia (East Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula)
Nine STRs loci have been typed in a sample from Valencia, a population from the East Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Paternity Testing Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on genetic investigations in paternity cases
The International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) has established a Paternity Testing Commission (PTC) with the purpose of formulating international recommendations concerning genetic investigations in paternity testing. The PTC recommends that paternity testing be performed in accordance with the ISO 17025 standards. The ISO 17025 standards are general standards for testing laboratories and the PTC offers explanations and recommendations concerning selected areas of special importance to paternity testing. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effect of whole genome amplification on samples originating from more than one donor
Abstract In this study, the GenomiPhi™ DNA Amplification Kit (Amersham Biosciences) was used to investigate the potential of whole genome amplification (WGA) when considering samples originating from more than one donor. DNA was extracted from blood samples, quantified and normalised before being mixed in ratios of 1:1, 1:3, 1:7 and 1:15. Proportions were checked using standard STR analysis before being subjected to WGA. Once amplified using GenomiPhi™, the ratios were again checked. Relative proportions were found to be maintained in the 1:1 and 1:3 ratios following WGA; the observed peak ratios were found to match the expected peak ratios regardless of the starting concentration of DNA. W…
Mixture analysis using SWaP™ SNPs and non-biallelic SNPs
Abstract Improved analysis of degraded samples, increased throughput, and a wider choice of typing platforms are some of the significant advantages offered by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping over established short tandem repeat (STR)-based systems. However, DNA mixtures present a considerable problem to SNP analysis as there is currently no generally accepted technique that allows recognition of the presence of a mixed profile or identification of the individual contributors. We present the first demonstration of SNP mixture analysis with an approach based upon the use of two rare subsets of SNPs: SWaP™ SNPs and non-biallelic SNPs and discuss their value for forensic mixture…
Review of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenetics in Atypical Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
Over the last two decades, pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics have been increasingly used in clinical practice in Psychiatry due to the high variability regarding response and side effects of antipsychotic drugs. Specifically, long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have different pharmacokinetic profile than oral formulations due to their sustained release characteristics. In addition, most of these drugs are metabolized by CYP2D6, whose interindividual genetic variability results in different metabolizer status and, consequently, into different plasma concentrations of the drugs. In this context, there is consistent evidence which supports the use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TD…
Report on the second EDNAP collaborative STR exercise
This report describes an inter-laboratory exercise completed on behalf of the European DNA Profiling (EDNAP) group. The exercise is one in a series designed to identify STR loci which could be used for harmonisation between participating European forensic science laboratories. Participants were asked to identify the alleles present in five bloodstains at the STR loci HUMTHO1 and HUMVWFA31/A. Two of the stains were prepared from mixtures of two different blood samples. There were no special instructions and each laboratory was requested to use the methodology normally employed for crime case investigations. All participating laboratories achieved the same results for both loci. In addition, …
A report of an international collaborative experiment to demonstrate the uniformity obtainable using DNA profiling techniques
This paper describes a collaborative exercise intended to demonstrate whether uniformity of DNA profile results could be achieved between different European laboratories. It was shown that this goal can be obtained provided that a common protocol is followed (specifically the use of a common electrophoretic buffer as being the most important parameter). Generally, lower molecular weight loci (with lower molecular weight fragments) such as YNH24 perform better than higher molecular weight loci such as MS43a. The results of the exercise are discussed in relation to the objectives of the European DNA profiling group (EDNAP).
Analysis of artificially degraded DNA using STRs and SNPs—results of a collaborative European (EDNAP) exercise
Recently, there has been much debate about what kinds of genetic markers should be implemented as new core loci that constitute national DNA databases. The choices lie between conventional STRs, ranging in size from 100 to 450 bp; mini-STRs, with amplicon sizes less than 200 bp; and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). There is general agreement by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) and the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) that the reason to implement new markers is to increase the chance of amplifying highly degraded DNA rather than to increase the discriminating power of the current techniques. A collaborative study between nine European and US laboratories…
Whole genome amplification—the solution for a common problem in forensic casework?
Abstract To assess the quality of amplified DNA obtained by whole genome amplification, 17 independent STR loci have been typed using two multiplex kits. Results have been compared for correct genotypes, heterozygous peak balance and allelic dropout.
Evidence, and replication thereof, that molecular-genetic and environmental risks for psychosis impact through an affective pathway
AbstractBackgroundThere is evidence that environmental and genetic risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders are transdiagnostic and mediated in part through a generic pathway of affective dysregulation.MethodsWe analysed to what degree the impact of schizophrenia polygenic risk (PRS-SZ) and childhood adversity (CA) on psychosis outcomes was contingent on co-presence of affective dysregulation, defined as significant depressive symptoms, in (i) NEMESIS-2 (n = 6646), a representative general population sample, interviewed four times over nine years and (ii) EUGEI (n = 4068) a sample of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, the siblings of these patients and controls.ResultsT…
Analysis ofBRCA1andBRCA2genes in Spanish breast/ovarian cancer patients: A high proportion of mutations unique to Spain and evidence of founder effects
We screened index cases from 410 Spanish breast/ovarian cancer families and 214 patients (19 of them males) with breast cancer for germ-line mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, using SSCP, PTT, CSGE, DGGE, and direct sequencing. We identified 60 mutations in BRCA1 and 53 in BRCA2. Of the 53 distinct mutations observed, 11 are novel and 12 have been reported only in Spanish families (41.5%). The prevalence of mutations in this set of families was 26.3%, but the percentage was higher in the families with breast and ovarian cancer (52.1%). The lowest proportion of mutations was found in the site-specific female breast cancer families (15.4%). Of the families with male breast cancer cases, …
Association study of 44 candidate genes with depressive and anxiety symptoms in post-partum women.
The post-partum period is a time of extreme vulnerability for a whole spectrum of psychiatric disorders. Delivery may be considered an important risk factor in genetically susceptible women. Five hundred and eight SNPs in 44 genes at candidate pathways putatively related to mood changes after delivery were genotyped in a multicenter cohort of 1804 women from Spain. Participants completed two scales at 2-3 days, 8 weeks, and 32 weeks post-partum, the Edinburgh Post-partum Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Those women who scored 9 or more on EPDS were evaluated for major depression using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetics Studies (DIGS) adapt…
The EDNAP mitochondrial DNA population database (EMPOP) collaborative exercises: organisation, results and perspectives.
This paper presents an overview of the organisation and the results of the collaborative exercises (CE) of the European DNA Profiling (EDNAP) Group's mitochondrial DNA population database project (EMPOP). The aim of the collaborative exercises was to determine whether uniformity of mtDNA sequencing results could be achieved among different laboratories. These were asked to sequence either the complete mtDNA control region or the two hypervariable regions HVI (16024-16365) and HVII (73-340) from DNA extracts, buccal swabs or bloodstains, proceeding in accordance with the protocol and strategies used in each individual laboratory. The results of the collaborative exercises were employed to id…
DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on forensic analysis using Y-chromosome short tandem repeats
Abstract During the past few years the DNA commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics has published a series of documents providing guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of DNA polymorphisms to the problems of human identification. This latest report addresses a relatively new area, namely Y-chromosome polymorphisms, with particular emphasis on short tandem repeats (STRs). This report addresses nomenclature, use of allelic ladders, population genetics and reporting methods.
Association between DNA methylation and ADHD symptoms from birth to school age: a prospective meta-analysis
Funder: Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Instituts de Recherche en Santé du Canada); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/501100000024
Examining facial emotion recognition as an intermediate phenotype for psychosis: Findings from the EUGEI study
The EUGEI project was supported by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program under grant agreement No. HEALTH-F2- 2009-241909 (Project EU-GEI). Dr. Arango was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; Instituto de Salud Carlos III (SAM16-PE07CP1, PI16/02012, PI19/024); CIBERSAM (...)
DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: recommendations on forensic analysis using Y-chromosome STRs
During the past few years, the DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics has published a series of documents providing guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of DNA polymorphisms to the problems of human identification. This latest report addresses a relatively new area - namely, Y-chromosome polymorphisms, with particular emphasis on short tandem repeats (STRs). This report addresses nomenclature, use of allelic ladders, population genetics and reporting methods.
A sensitive issue: Pyrosequencing as a valuable forensic SNP typing platform
Analysing minute amounts of DNA is a routine challenge in forensics in part due to the poor sensitivity of an instrument and its inability to detect results from forensic samples. In this study, the sensitivity of the Pyrosequencing method is investigated using varying concentrations of DNA and five autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms in singleplex on both available instrument models; the PSQ™ 96MA and PSQ™ HS 96A. A detailed comparison of the two models was completed while establishing a lower limit of detection on both instruments to give results supporting the use of Pyrosequencing as a valuable forensic SNP typing platform. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Replication of previous genome-wide association studies of psychiatric diseases in a large schizophrenia case-control sample from Spain.
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) has allowed the discovery of some interesting risk variants for schizophrenia (SCZ). However, this high-throughput approach presents some limitations, being the most important the necessity of highly restrictive statistical corrections as well as the loss of statistical power inherent to the use of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis approach. These problems can be partially solved through the use of a polygenic approach. We performed a genotyping study in SCZ using 86 previously associated SNPs identified by GWAS of SCZ, bipolar disorder (BPD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. The sample consisted of 3063 independent cases wit…
Examining the association between exposome score for schizophrenia and functioning in schizophrenia, siblings, and healthy controls: results from the EUGEI study
European Community's Seventh Framework Program, European Commission [HEALTH-F2-2009-241909]; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, 2219 International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (SAM16PE07CP1, PI16/02012, and PI19/024)...
The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study.
Background: Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of later psychotic disorder but whether it affects incidence of the disorder remains unclear. We aimed to identify patterns of cannabis use with the strongest effect on odds of psychotic disorder across Europe and explore whether differences in such patterns contribute to variations in the incidence rates of psychotic disorder. Methods: We included patients aged 18–64 years who presented to psychiatric services in 11 sites across Europe and Brazil with first-episode psychosis and recruited controls representative of the local populations. We applied adjusted logistic regression models to the data to estimate which patterns of canna…
Identifying gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia: contemporary challenges for integrated, large-scale investigations
European Community Recent years have seen considerable progress in epidemiological and molecular genetic research into environmental and genetic factors in schizophrenia, but methodological uncertainties remain with regard to validating environmental exposures, and the population risk conferred by individual molecular genetic variants is small. There are now also a limited number of studies that have investigated molecular genetic candidate gene-environment interactions (G x E), however, so far, thorough replication of findings is rare and G x E research still faces several conceptual and methodological challenges. in this article, we aim to review these recent developments and illustrate h…
A Novel Loss-of-Function Mutation (N48K) in the PTEN Gene in a Spanish Patient with Cowden Disease
Cowden disease, also known as multiple hamartoma syndrome, is a rare disease inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which confers a high risk of developing breast and thyroid carcinomas. Mutations in PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 10q23, have been identified in patients with Cowden disease. In this work, the direct sequencing of all coding regions of the PTEN gene led us to the identification of N48K, a new germline PTEN missense mutation, in a patient suffering from Cowden disease. The genetic analysis of 200 chromosomes from healthy individuals revealed that the variant was not common in our population. Moreover, by functional analysis we found that the ability o…
The continuity of effect of schizophrenia polygenic risk score and patterns of cannabis use on transdiagnostic symptom dimensions at first-episode psychosis: findings from the EU-GEI study
The work was supported by Guarantors of Brain post-doctoral clinical fellowship to DQ; Clinician Scientist Medical Research Council fellowship (project reference MR/M008436/1) to MDF; Heisenberg professorship from the German Research Founda- tion (grant no. 389624707) to UR; the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. The EU-GEI Project is funded by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement No. HEALTH-F2-…