Implication of the env gene of the human endogenous retrovirus W family in the expression of BDNF and DRD3 and development of recent-onset schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Retrovirus has been suggested as one of agents involved in the development of schizophrenia. In the present study, we examined the role of the human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W) env gene in the etiopathogenesis of recent-onset schizophrenia, using molecular and epidemiological approaches.

Methods

Nested RT-PCR was used to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the HERV-w env gene in plasmas. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the viral reverse transcriptase activity in human sera. Human U251 glioma cells were used to study the potential role of the HERV-W env gene in the etiopathogenesis of recent-onset schizophrenia.

Results

We identified genes with mRNA sequences homologous to HERV-W env gene from plasmas o

SUBMITTER: Huang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3160218 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature