Project Summary

Oscar Marin, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of Universidad Miguel Hernandez, notes that evidence suggests that schizophrenia may evolve during development due to a disruption among certain groups of neurons in the cerebral cortex. Some of these deficits may be caused by alterations in the migration of terminal differentiation of interneurons, which are responsible for the proper synchronization of cortical activity. Dr. Marin seeks to identify genes which regulate these processes. Using an animal model, he will analyze the developmental function of the Neuregulin1 (NRG1) gene, which has been recently identified as a candidate gene for schizophrenia. Dr. Marin’s work suggests that this gene may control cortical interneuron migration, but further research is needed. If NRG1 is identified as a true susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, therapeutic interventions can be developed.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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