Project Summary

Qing Xu, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, will study the role of cortical interneurons in the development of schizophrenia. Cortical function is mediated by the coordinated actions of excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Dysfunctions in both are linked to schizophrenia. Part of the interneuron deficit in schizophrenia involves alterations in the function and/or connectivity of interneuron subtypes rather than cell number. Although researchers are learning how interneuron subtypes have their fate determined, little is known about the how interneuron subtypes form, refine, and maintain connectivity during development. The problem is that no markers have been identified that label distinct interneuron subtypes before they are defined. The goal of Dr. Xu’s study is to identify markers of interneuron subtypes expressed prior to maturation, which thus can be used to generate transgenic mice for the study of interneuron subtype migration and the development of subtype connectivity.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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