Consensus paper of the WFSBP Task Force on Biological Markers: Criteria for biomarkers and endophenotypes of schizophrenia, part III: Molecular mechanisms

Author(s):Show less -

Schmitt, Andrea ; Martins-de-Souza, Daniel ; Akbarian, Schahram ; Cassoli, Juliana S. ; Ehrenreich, Hannelore ; Fischer, Andre ; Fonteh, Alfred ; Gattaz, Wagner F. ; Gawlik, Michael ; Gerlach, Manfred ; Grunblatt, Edna ; Halene, Tobias ; Hasan, Alkomiet ; Hashimoto, Kenij ; Kim, Yong-Ku ; Kirchner, Sophie-Kathrin ; Kornhuber, Johannes ; Kraus, Theo F. J. ; Malchow, Berend ; Nascimento, Juliana M. ; Rossner, Moritz ; Schwarz, Markus ; Steiner, Johann ; Talib, Leda ; Thibaut, Florence ; Riederer, Peter ; Falkai, Peter ; Force, Members WFSBP Task

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WORLD JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY; v. 18, n. 5, p. 330-356, 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Objectives: Despite progress in identifying molecular pathophysiological processes in schizophrenia, valid biomarkers are lacking for both the disease and treatment response. Methods: This comprehensive review summarises recent efforts to identify molecular mechanisms on the level of protein and gene expression and epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and micro RNA expression. Furthermore, it summarises recent findings of alterations in lipid mediators and highlights inflammatory processes. The potential that this research will identify biomarkers of schizophrenia is discussed. Results: Recent studies have not identified clear biomarkers for schizophrenia. Although several molecular pathways have emerged as potential candidates for future research, a complete understanding of these metabolic pathways is required to reveal better treatment modalities for this disabling condition. Conclusions: Large longitudinal cohort studies are essential that pair a thorough phenotypic and clinical evaluation for example with gene expression and proteome analysis in blood at multiple time points. This approach might identify biomarkers that allow patients to be stratified according to treatment response and ideally also allow treatment response to be predicted. Improved knowledge of molecular pathways and epigenetic mechanisms, including their potential association with environmental influences, will facilitate the discovery of biomarkers that could ultimately be effective tools in clinical practice. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/21035-0 - Quantitative proteomics in neural cell lines and organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from schizophrenia patients
• Grantee: Juliana Minardi Nascimento
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/10068-4 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 13/08711-3: mass spectrometer waters SYNAPT G2-Si HDMS + nanoACQUITY UPLC
• Grantee: Daniel Martins-de-Souza
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 14/14881-1 - Understanding the influence of glycolysis components in the function of oligodendrocytes: linking with findings in schizophrenia
• Grantee: Juliana Silva Cassoli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/08711-3 - Developing a predictive test for a successful medication response and understanding the molecular bases of schizophrenia through proteomics
• Grantee: Daniel Martins-de-Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants