Searching for a locus for schizophrenia within chromosome Xp11

Abstract

Three gene-rich loci-HS212G6, HSU93305, and HS884M20-within the short arm of the X chromosome have been examined for allelic association with schizophrenia by the transmission disequilibrium test in 70 families of male individuals affected with schizophrenia. Neither the HS212G6 nor HS884M20 was found to be associated with schizophrenia. The HSU93305 locus, however, was significantly associated with schizophrenia (X2=17.92, df=3, P<0.001). The HSU93305 locus contains four distinct genes. They code, respectively, for A4 differentiation-dependent protein, triple LIM domain protein, synaptophysin, and calcium channel alpha-1 subunit. It is possible that one of these genes or some loci near to it may predispose a vulnerability to schizophrenia. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.