Male-specific association between dopamine receptor D4 gene methylation and schizophrenia.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe goal of our study was to investigate whether DRD4 gene DNA methylation played an important role in the susceptibility of Han Chinese SCZ.MethodsUsing the bisulphite pyrosequencing technology, DNA methylation levels of 6 CpG dinucleotides in DRD4 CpG island were measured among 30 paranoid SCZ patients, 30 undifferentiated SCZ patients, and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.ResultsStrong correlation was observed among the six CpG sites (r>0.5, PConclusionThe gender disparity in the DRD4 DNA methylation provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of SCZ.