Isoform specific differences in phospholipase C beta 1 expression in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia and suicide

Abstract

Suicide risk: Pinpointing protein variants Variations in the expression of a specific protein may be linked to an increased risk of suicide in schizophrenia. The phospholipase C beta 1 (PLCB1) enzyme facilitates downstream signaling for multiple neurological systems, including dopamine regulation. Madhara Udewela at the Florey Institute, Australia, and co-workers measured post-mortem levels of two PLCB1 variants (a and b) in two areas of the prefrontal cortex (BA9 and BA46) in schizophrenia, many of whom were suicide completers. Levels of PLCB1a protein were lower in BA9 in patients with schizophrenia. In addition, PLCB1b protein levels were lower and PLCB1b RNA levels were higher in BA9 in those patients who died by suicide. However, these variations were not found in suicide victims who suffered from other mental health disorders. Changes in PLCB1 could provide a marker for suicide risk in schizophrenia.