Converging evidence that sequence variations in the novel candidate gene MAP2K7 (MKK7) are functionally associated with schizophrenia

Winchester, C.L., Ohzeki, H., Vouyiouklis, D.A., Thompson, R., Penninger, J.M., Yamagami, K., Norrie, J.D., Hunter, R., Pratt, J.A. and Morris, B.J. (2012) Converging evidence that sequence variations in the novel candidate gene MAP2K7 (MKK7) are functionally associated with schizophrenia. Human Molecular Genetics, 21(22), pp. 4910-4921. (doi: 10.1093/hmg/dds331)

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disease with a strong genetic contribution, potentially linked to altered glutamatergic function in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Here, we report converging evidence to support a functional candidate gene for schizophrenia. In post-mortem PFC from patients with schizophrenia, we detected decreased expression of MKK7/MAP2K7—a kinase activated by glutamatergic activity. While mice lacking one copy of the Map2k7 gene were overtly normal in a variety of behavioural tests, these mice showed a schizophrenia-like cognitive phenotype of impaired working memory. Additional support for MAP2K7 as a candidate gene came from a genetic association study. A substantial effect size (odds ratios: ∼1.9) was observed for a common variant in a cohort of case and control samples collected in the Glasgow area and also in a replication cohort of samples of Northern European descent (most significant P-value: 3 × 10−4). While some caution is warranted until these association data are further replicated, these results are the first to implicate the candidate gene MAP2K7 in genetic risk for schizophrenia. Complete sequencing of all MAP2K7 exons did not reveal any non-synonymous mutations. However, the MAP2K7 haplotype appeared to have functional effects, in that it influenced the level of expression of MAP2K7 mRNA in human PFC. Taken together, the results imply that reduced function of the MAP2K7-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling cascade may underlie some of the neurochemical changes and core symptoms in schizophrenia.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Norrie, Prof John and Hunter, Professor Robert and Winchester, Dr Catherine and Morris, Professor Brian
• Authors: Winchester, C.L., Ohzeki, H., Vouyiouklis, D.A., Thompson, R., Penninger, J.M., Yamagami, K., Norrie, J.D., Hunter, R., Pratt, J.A., and Morris, B.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Human Molecular Genetics
• ISSN: 0964-6906
• ISSN (Online): 1460-2083
• Published Online: 16 August 2012