Project Summary

Nelson Spruston, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2007) of Northwestern University, notes that the study of psychiatric disorders can be broken down into three challenges: identification of the affected brain regions, identification of the specific alterations of affected neurons, and identification of the root causes of these abnormalities. He is exploring identification of the specific alterations of affected neurons. He will explore dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity in molecularly identified parts of the hippocampus, which is affected in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Using a transgenic mouse model, Dr. Spruston will study the behavioral and electrophysiological consequences of specific genetic manipulations such as neuronal silencing, which will help link neuronal subtypes to behavior. He will also use the mouse model to study specific populations of neurons in an animal model of schizophrenia using chronic administration of antipsychotic drugs.

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

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