Project Summary

Sam Thiagalingam, Ph.D., (Independent Investigator 2006) of Boston University, aims to further study the role of methylation of certain genes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Despite strong evidence supporting a genetic basis for schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), the identification of the affected genes has been complicated perhaps due to the late manifestation of the disease to around 15 to 30 years of age, which suggests the environment playing a role in the variability. Recently, Dr. Thiagalingam and others have shown that DNA methylation, the most widely studied epigenetic modification, could play a critical role in the modulation of gene expression and may facilitate short-term adaptation in response to variable environmental conditions. Additionally, it is generally believed that defects in the expression and or levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, glutamate, GABA and acetylcholine and their corresponding neurotransmitter receptors are involved in SCZ and BD pathogenesis. Dr. Thiagalingham has evidence that methylation plays a role in several important genes that may be associated with SCZ and plans to continue his work analyzing them, focusing particularly on the serotonin receptor gene, HTR2A.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Mood Disorders/Schizophrenia\Bipolar/Schizophrenia

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