Project Summary

Wei-Dong Yao, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of Duke University Medical Center, plans to use state-of-the-art microarray technology to study the gene expression in a variety of mouse models of schizophrenia that have alterations in the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, dysfunctions of which are believed to contribute to schizophrenia. Dr. Yao proposes to screen the whole mouse genome using microarrays in genetic and pharmacological mouse models to identify new molecular substrates related to schizophrenia, to isolate unknown tissue-specific expressed genes and to develop novel transgenic models for schizophrenia. Dr. Yao will compare gene expression of different models to identify common pathways altered in the dopamine and glutamate systems and will compare gene expression selectively affected by differential disruptions of the two systems. Specific genes operating in single cells will be identified by expression profiling across different brain tissues. Results could lead to new and more specific animal models of schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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