Project Summary

Hugh Gurling, MB, BS, M.D., M.Phil., FRCPsych (Distinguished Investigator 2005) of University College London, notes that a region on chromosome 5q22-34 has been implicated for genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia in a number of studies. As a result, he will continue genetic research that aims to identify a susceptibility gene previously implicated by three linkage studies with lods above 3.00 on the long arm of chromosome 5 at 5q33.3 and genotype more markers around a genetic locus showing positive genetic/allelic association with schizophrenia. If successful in these two aims, Dr. Gurling will then carry out direct genomic DNA sequencing of candidate genes in the region to identify aetiological quantitative trait nucleotides and mutations causing the genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia on Chromosome 5q33. The overall aim of the project is to identify a protein expressed in the brain encoded on chromosome 5q22-34 which is expressed abnormally or which functions abnormally and which has a primary aetiological role in the causation of schizophrenia. Such genetic information may later form the basis for new preventive strategies, new targets for antipsychotic drugs and predictive testing for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment responsiveness. If successful the knowledge would lead to the identification of which brain systems are involved in other non-chromosome 5q33.3 subtypes of schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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