Project Summary

Yimin Zou, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2007) of University of California, San Diego, is studying the gene disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) which has emerged as the most consistent gene involved in schizophrenia and related mood disorders. Dr. Zhou notes that DISC1 has been shown to enhance neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration during nervous system development and that the protein FEZ1 is believed to be involved in axon growth and guidance in the worm model, C. elegans (often used as a model for cellular and genetic study). Dr. Zhou will study the role of FEZ1 and DISC1 and test whether they play a role in regulating the transport of membranes and protein complexes or signaling components along the axons, which is essential for axon outgrowth. He believes that by understanding the biological function of DISC1 in normal nervous system development, he will gain an understanding of how schizophrenia and related mood disorders may occur, as well as provide a new tool for diagnosis and treatment.

Program Area: PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

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