Project Summary

Angus C. Nairn (Distinguished Investigator 2006) of Yale University School of Medicine, notes that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in many psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. It likely plays an important role in the birth of new neurons or brains cells (neurogenesis) associated with the actions of anti-depressant drugs. However, little is known about the molecular effectors for BDNF-dependent signaling in neurons. The protein kinase, Akt, is likely involved, but little is known about substrates for Akt in dendrites and at synapses that might be involved in the mediation actions of BDNF. Using state-of-the-art proteomic biotechnologies, Dr. Nairn will seek to identify novel protein targets for BDNF that are synthesized in neurons and novel substrates for Akt within dendrites and at synapses. Identifying these novel targets would represent an important advance in elucidating the complete function of BDNF. If successful, these proteomic approaches would be extended to the neurotrophic factors that may be involved in psychiatric disorders.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Mood Disorders/Schizophrenia\Unipolar/Schizophrenia

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