Project Summary

Robert Levenson, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2003) of Pennsylvania State University, will seek to identify molecular components of dopamine receptor signaling that may function abnormally in schizophrenia.  As research suggests that there are imbalances in the dopaminergic transmission in the cerebral cortex related to the cognitive and psychotic aspects of schizophrenia, Dr. Levenson has been focusing on identifying proteins in the brain that interact with and regulate dopamine receptor function.  These tests have identified a group of dopamine receptor interacting proteins.  The approach Dr. Levenson has used previously to accomplish this identification of the proteins is limited, and he now proposes to use mass spectrometry.  This same approach has been used in identifying the components of the NMDA receptor signaling complex, and will be powerful in identifying the full complement of proteins that regulate dopamine receptor-mediated signaling, as well as novel candidate genes for schizophrenia.  This study may lead to the identification of new targets for future treatments in schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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