<i>Hsa_Circrna_104597</i> : A Novel Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarker for Schizophrenia

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To assess whether expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and/or therapeutic response in people living with schizophrenia (SZ). <b>Materials & methods:</b> Differentially expressed circRNAs were screened via microarray in nine individuals living with SZ and nine healthy controls, then quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR in SZ (n = 102) and healthy control (n = 103) groups. CircRNAs were re-assessed twice in 30 randomly selected individuals living with SZ after 4- and 8-week antipsychotic treatments. <b>Results:</b> Five circRNAs were differentially expressed between groups. Only <i>hsa_circRNA_104597</i>, which was downregulated in the SZ group, was significantly upregulated after 8-week treatment. <b>Conclusion:</b> Dysregulation of <i>hsa_circRNA_104597</i> may serve as a novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for SZ.