Project Summary

Bonnie L. Firestein, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2007) of Rutgers University, will explore the role of CAPON, a gene linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in neuronal development. This gene gives rise to two proteins, a long form and a short form. The long form is reduced when patients take antipsychotic drugs, while the short form remains elevated. Little is known about why CAPON is important for normal brain development or function and what happens when CAPON levels are abnormal. Dr. Firestein’s lab will seek to identify other proteins that bind to and act with CAPON to change neuronal development, and assess how altering CAPON protein levels alters the way neurons develop. The hope is that by targeting a CAPON signaling pathway, therapies can be developed that are specific for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders and have few or no side effects.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

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