Neuregulin and Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Debilitating mental illness affecting 1 % of the general population across the world. Onset in adolescent age. Symptoms Positive symptoms –Hallucinations, delusions Negative symptoms –Avolition, Apathy Disorganization symptoms –Inappropriate social behavior Cognitive deficits –Perceptual deficits - Visual, Auditory. –Deficits in memory. –Emotional changes.

Schizophrenia is associated with many alterations in brain structure and function. Many regional reduction in gray matter. Thompson et al.,, 2001 Achim et al.,, 2005 Reduction in brain activation during cognitive tasks Van der stelt et al.,, 2005

Genetics of Schizophrenia Kirov et al.,, 2003

Neuregulin 1 – Linkage in 8p Stefansson et al., 2002

Harrison et al., 2006

Functions of Neuregulin

Flames et al., 2004

Chih et al., 2004

Michailo et al., 2004

Conclusions Evidences so far, show NRG plays a vital role in neurodevelopmental processes. Association with Schizophrenia and late onset Alzhimer’s suggest a link between this gene and various diseases of nervous system. The role of NRG is still being studied. Further studies are required to identify its mechanisms of action.

Catpa demo….