Field: Neuroscience/Medicine
Session Topic:
Molecular basis of human mind and mental disorders
Speaker:
Ryota Hashimoto, Osaka University
Title: Translational research for schizophrenia
It is well known that genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility for schizophrenia.
Recent advance of the molecular genetics of schizophrenia strongly suggests several
susceptibility genes, e.g. dysbindin, neuregulin-1, DISC1, COMT, G72, RGS4 and Akt1.
More than three independent replication studies of genetic association were reported in
these genes. Here we added new evidence that PACAP is associated with schizophrenia in
Japanese population. Firstly, we will summaries genetic associations between these
genes and psychiatric diseases. As abnormalities in neurocognitive function and brain
morphology are found in patients with schizophrenia and their relatives, they are
considered to be intermediate phenotypes, which might be associated with the
susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. Secondly, the association between polymorphisms
of susceptibility genes and intermediate phenotypes will be presented. Finally,
functions of the susceptibility genes, which could be related to the pathogenesis of
schizophrenia, will be discussed.
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