Project Summary

Irina Antonova, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2003) of Columbia University, is examining pre-synaptic proteins in the hippocampus and their relationship to neurobiological mechanisms of learning.  The rationale for this work is based on studies that have demonstrated diminished levels of pre-synaptic proteins in patients with schizophrenia.  This may be caused by defects in long-term potentiation (LTP), which is involved in the establishment and fine tuning of neural circuits during development and learning.  Dr. Antonava's group has recently found a rapid and long-lasting increase in the number of clusters (or “puncta”) of two presynaptic proteins, synaptophysin and synapsin.  In the present study, sophisticated methods will be used to determine if the newly formed puncta are part of presynpatic terminals.  In addition, pharmacological and cell staining methods will be used to investigate which signaling molecules are involved in this process.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Pharmacology

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