Project Summary

Teresa Tallerico, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2000) of University of Toronto, is examining candidate genes expressed in autopsied brains of patients with schizophrenia.  These genes influence nerve cell development and function, and are influential in interacting with dopamine neurotransmission.  In addition, the genes to be investigated are in chromosomal regions in which suggestive linkage has been previously demonstrated in schizophrenia.  The specificity of the findings will be examined by comparing the findings with patients who suffered from bipolar disorder, non-psychotic depression, and Alzheimer's disease.  If the findings are promising, family linkage studies will be conducted.  The discovery of genes associated with schizophrenia will assist in the diagnosis, and in the development of more selective treatments.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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