Exploring effects of EAAT polymorphisms on cognitive functions in schizophrenia

Aim: To evaluate the effect of functional polymorphisms (rs4354668 and rs2731880) of the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT1 and 2) on the cognitive dysfunction that characterizes schizophrenia. Materials & methods: One hundred and ninety two subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia were assessed with Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test and N-back test and genotyped for rs4354668 and rs2731880. Results: ANOVA showed a significant difference among both EAAT1 and EAAT2 genotype groups on different cognitive measures. Worse performances were observed among carriers of the genotypes associated with lower EAAT expression. Conclusion: Results suggest that impaired activity and EAAT expression could influence cognitive performances in schizophrenia, thus representing a target of interest for development of pharmacological strategies aimed to improve cognition.