The TGM2 gene is associated with schizophrenia in a British population

Several lines of evidence have suggested an interesting link between gluten ingestion and schizophrenia. Increased levels of gliadin antibodies have been observed in patients with schizophrenia. Tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase 2, TGM2) is involved in the production of gliadin antibodies. To investigate genetic association of the TGM2 gene with schizophrenia, we detected eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in the gene among 131 family trios composed of fathers, mothers and affected offspring with schizophrenia. Data analysis with the UNPHASED program showed allelic association for rs2076380 (chi(2) = 5.51, P = 0.019), rs7270785 (chi(2) = 8.13, P = 0.004), rs4811528 (chi(2) = 6.13, P = 0.013) and rs6023526 (chi(2) = 6.13, P = 0.013). The global P-value was 0.029 for 10,000 permutations with the TDT analysis. The strongest association was observed for the rs7270785-rs4811528 haplotypes (chi(2) = 16.18, df = 3, P = 0.001), and the global P-value was 0.008 for 10,000 permutations with the 2-SNP haplotype analysis. The 8-SNP haplotype analysis also revealed a strong haplotypic association (chi(2) = 44.82, df = 18, P = 0.0004) and the 1-df test showed that the A-T-A-A-T-G-A-G haplotype was excessively transmitted (chi(2) = 16.98, corrected P = 0.0007). The present results suggest that the TGM2 gene may be involved in the development of schizophrenia.