Karger Publishers, Neuropsychobiology, 1(74), p. 41-47
DOI: 10.1159/000450550
Full text: Unavailable
<b><i>Background:</i></b> Despite extensive research in the past decades, the influence of genetics on cognitive functions in schizophrenia remains unclear. Dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 <i>(DTNBP1)</i> is one of the most promising candidate genes in schizophrenia. An association of <i>DTNBP1</i> with cognitive dysfunction, particularly memory impairment, has been reported in a number of studies. However, the results remain inconsistent. The aim of this study was to measure the association between <i>DTNBP1</i> polymorphisms and cognitive domains in a well-characterized sample. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Ninety-one clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of <i>DTNBP1</i> were genotyped in all participants. Statistical and multivariate analyses were performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Factor analysis revealed 4 factors corresponding to distinct cognitive domains, namely sustained attention, set-shifting, executive functioning, and memory. We found a significant association of the rs909706 polymorphism with attention (p = 0.030) and a nonsignificant trend for set-shifting (p = 0.060). The other SNPs and haplotypes were not associated with cognitive function. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Replication of this finding in a larger sample is needed in order to confirm the importance of this particular polymorphism in the genetics of schizophrenia, particularly the distinct cognitive domains. In conclusion, the present study supports the involvement of <i>DTNBP1 </i>in the regulation of cognitive processes and demonstrates association in particular with sustained attention and set-shifting in schizophrenia patients.