Project Summary

Yue-Qiao Huang, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Drexel University , plans to study how reduced function of NMDA receptors in neurons may play a role in schizophrenia. NMDA receptors are a subtype of glutamate receptors, which are involved in a variety of developmental, physiological, and pathological processes. Evidence exists for an association between NMDA receptor hypofunction and schizophrenia, but the cause of the reduced activity remains unknown. Recent studies from Dr. Huang’s laboratory and from others reveal NMDA receptors are subject to removal through a process called endocytosis. NMDA receptor endocytosis regulates NMDA receptor numbers at synapses and probably plays a role in the central nervous system’s synaptic plasticity. Unregulated NMDA receptor endocytosis could lead to the hypofunction of NMDA receptors implicated in schizophrenia. In this study, Dr. Huang will employ molecular and cellular techniques, live-cell imaging, and electrophysiological recordings to study endocytosis of NMDA receptors. Results may lead to better understanding of NMDA receptor internalization and to improved treatments for schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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