Project Summary

Peter Penzes, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2003) of Johns Hopkins University, is studying proteins that are associated with serotonin (5HT) receptors and attempting to better understand how these proteins regulate the receptors or subsequent cellular processes that result from their stimulation.  Dr. Penzes is particularly interested in a group of proteins that interact with 5HT receptors.  These include two proteins called PSD95 and MUPPI, which belong to the “PDZ domain-containing protein” family.   PDS95 and MUPPI bind to another protein called kalirin, which regulates the fine structure of neurons.  The study will identify and characterize the complexes between the 5HT receptor, MUPPI, PSD 95, and kalirin in rat brain, and examine whether they are found together in cultures from the cortex of the brain.  In addition, the effect of drugs that stimulate, and that block, the 5HT receptor on the distribution of these proteins will be examined; one of these drugs is clozapine, an antipsychotic.  Moreover, the study will assess the effect of increased expression of these proteins on the localization and expression of the 5HT receptor.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Schizophrenia/Mood Disorders

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