0000000000587667
AUTHOR
Claus-jürgen Scholz
MicroRNA hsa-miR-4717-5p regulates RGS2 and may be a risk factor for anxiety-related traits
Regulator of G-protein Signaling 2 (RGS2) is a key regulator of G-protein-coupled signaling pathways involved in fear and anxiety. Data from rodent models and genetic analysis of anxiety-related traits and disorders in humans suggest down-regulation of RGS2 expression to be a risk factor for anxiety. Here we investigated, whether genetic variation in microRNAs mediating posttranscriptional down-regulation of RGS2 may be a risk factor for anxiety as well. 75 microRNAs predicted to regulate RGS2 were identified by four bioinformatic algorithms and validated experimentally by luciferase reporter gene assays. Specificity was confirmed for six microRNAs (hsa-miR-1271-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-3…
The genetic contribution of the NO system at the glutamatergic post-synapse to schizophrenia: Further evidence and meta-analysis
NO is a pleiotropic signaling molecule and has an important role in cognition and emotion. In the brain, NO is produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS-I, encoded by NOS1) coupled to the NMDA receptor via PDZ interactions; this protein-protein interaction is disrupted upon binding of NOS1 adapter protein (encoded by NOS1AP) to NOS-I. As both NOS1 and NOS1AP were associated with schizophrenia, we here investigated these genes in greater detail by genotyping new samples and conducting a meta-analysis of our own and published data. In doing so, we confirmed association of both genes with schizophrenia and found evidence for their interaction in increasing risk towards disease. Our stron…