Researchers from Israel and the United States led by Dr Noam Shomron of Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative method for physical diagnosis of schizophrenia by collecting tissue from the nose through a simple biopsy.

Their findings, published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease , could not only lead to a more accurate diagnosis, they may also permit the crucial, early detection of the disease, giving rise to vastly improved treatment overall.

“Surprisingly, collecting and sequencing neurons from the nose may lead to ‘more sure-fire’ diagnostic capabilities than ever before,” Dr Shomron said.

“Until now, biomarkers for schizophrenia had only been found in the neuron cells of the brain, which can’t be collected before death. By that point it’s obviously too late to do the patient any good. Instead, psychiatrists depend on psychological evaluations for diagnosis, including interviews with the patient and reports by family and friends.”

For a solution to this diagnostic dilemma, the scientists turned to the olfactory system, which includes neurons located on the upper part of the inner nose. They collected samples of olfactory neurons from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and a control group of non-affected individuals.

They then applied a high-throughput technology to these samples, studying the microRNA of the olfactory neurons. Within these molecules, which help to regulate our genetic code, they were able to identify a microRNA which is highly elevated in those with schizophrenia, compared to individuals who do not have the disease.

“We were able to narrow down the microRNA to a differentially expressed set, and from there down to a specific microRNA which is elevated in individuals with the disease compared to healthy individuals,” Dr Shomron said.

Further research revealed that this particular microRNA, known as microRNA-382 (MIR382), controls genes FGFR1, SPRY4 associated with the generation of neurons.

“In practice, material for biopsy could be collected through a quick and easy outpatient procedure, using a local anesthetic,” Dr Shomron said.

“And with microRNA profiling results ready in a matter of hours, this method could evolve into a relatively simple and accurate test to diagnose a very complicated illness.”

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Bibliographic information: Eyal Mor et al. 2013. MicroRNA-382 expression is elevated in the olfactory neuroepithelium of schizophrenia patients. Neurobiology of Disease, vol. 55, pp. 1–10; doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.03.011