Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene expression predicts functional outcomes in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis

Little is known about valid predictive markers for functional outcomes in an at-risk for psychosis population. In a cohort of 185 individuals (age: 13-35 years) at high risk (HR) and ultra-high risk (UHR), we assessed pan-NRG1 mRNA levels across good functional status (GFS) and poor functional status (PFS) at baseline, and good functional outcome (GFO) and poor functional outcome (PFO) at 12-month follow-up. NRG1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in individuals with PFO than individuals with GFO at 12-month follow-up. Our findings suggest that NRG1 might emerge as a predictive marker for functional outcomes in at-risk for psychosis population.