Project Summary

Daniel Levesque, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2005) of Laval University, aims to use genomics technology to study in an animal model the molecular biology of Nur77 , a particular gene activated by antipsychotic drugs, to better understand the mechanism of action of the medications. Although antipsychotic drugs alleviate some symptoms of schizophrenia, they are not safe, cause side effects and a significant number of patients become refractory to them. It is known that antipsychotics interact with cell membrane neurotransmitter receptors, but the intracellular events triggered by this interaction, are not well characterized. Dr. Levesque recently identified Nur77, a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor family, involved in the biochemical and behavioral effects of a conventional neuroleptic. In this proposal, he hopes to use microarrays to compare the biochemical cascade that occurs after treatment with antipsychotics in animals with and without the Nur77 gene. A better comprehension of intracellular events triggered by antipsychotics should help in the development of the next generation of antipsychotic drugs.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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