Project Summary

Frederique Berton, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2001) of Salk Institute for Biological Studies, will study the signaling of the D2 class of dopamine receptors (which are believed to be the receptors on which current schizophrenia drugs act) in an attempt to better understand molecular mechanisms which could be helpful in designing new strategies for the treatment of schizophrenia.  Many G protein pathways in nervous system tissue target ion channels, which are directly involved in neuron electrical activity.  Basic research on the mechanism of G protein signaling might help in the design of new strategies for the treatment of neuronal diseases in which neuronal communication is impaired, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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