Does Lrig1 expression have a relationship with ERBB1 and ERBB2 expression in schizophrenia?

Purpose: This study aims to investigate Lrig1 expression and to reveal the possible relationship between Lrig1, ERBB1 and ERBB2 in schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: In this study, peripheral blood samples of 70 schizophrenia patients and 60 healthy controls were used. Real Time PCR was applied for Lrig1, ERBB1 and ERBB2 gene expression analysis. Results: The level of Lrig1 mRNA was lower in the patients when compared to healthy controls. Expression levels of ERBB1 and ERBB2 were decreased in the patients versus in the healthy controls. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the three genes had the power to discriminate the patients from the healthy controls (Lrig1 AUC: 0.66, ERBB1 AUC: 0.64, ERBB2 AUC: 0.79). There was a weak, positive correlation between the Lrig1 and ERBB1 expressions in the schizophrenia patients. No significant correlation was detected between the Lrig1 and ERBB2 expressions or the ERBB1 and ERBB2 expressions in the patients. Conclusion: The results revealed that the Lrig1 and ERBB relationship changes in schizophrenia. These genes may have the potential to be a biomarker that can be used in schizophrenia.