Whole transcriptome analysis reveals dysregulation of molecular networks in schizophrenia

To characterize the regulatory relationships between different types of transcripts and the altered molecular networks in schizophrenia (SCZ), we performed a whole transcriptome study by quantifying mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), miRNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the same individuals simultaneously. A total of 807 dysregulated genes showed differential expression in SCZ cases compared with controls. Network-based analysis revealed dysregulation of molecular networks in SCZ. Finally, integration of the transcriptome data with published data identified promising SCZ candidate genes. Our study reveals that dysregulated mo-lecular networks and regulatory relationships between different types of transcript may have a role in SCZ.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the regulatory relationships between different types of transcripts and altered molecular networks in schizophrenia (SCZ) by quantifying mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs simultaneously. We identified 807 dysregulated genes that showed differential expression in SCZ cases compared with controls. Network-based analysis revealed dysregulation of molecular networks in SCZ. Integration of the transcriptome data with published data allowed for the identification of promising SCZ candidate genes. Our findings suggest that dysregulated molecular networks and regulatory relationships between different types of transcripts may contribute to the development of SCZ.