Neuregulin and Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Debilitating mental illness affecting 1 % of the general population across the world. Onset in adolescent

Neuregulin andSchizophrenia

SchizophreniaDebilitating mental illness affecting 1 % of the general population across the world.

Onset in adolescent age.

Symptoms

Positive symptomsHallucinations, delusions

Negative symptomsAvolition, ApathyDisorganization symptomsInappropriate social behavior

Cognitive deficitsPerceptual deficits - Visual, Auditory.Deficits in memory.Emotional changes.

Schizophrenia is associated with many alterations in brain structure and function.Many regional reduction in gray matter.Thompson et al., , 2001Achim et al., , 2005Reduction in brain activation during cognitive tasksVan der stelt et al., , 2005

Genetics of SchizophreniaKirov et al., , 2003

Neuregulin 1 Linkage in 8pStefansson et al., 2002

Harrison et al., 2006

Functions of Neuregulin

Flames et al., 2004

Chih et al., 2004

Michailo et al., 2004

Conclusions

Evidences so far, show NRG plays a vital role in neurodevelopmental processes.

Association with Schizophrenia and late onset Alzhimers suggest a link between this gene and various diseases of nervous system.

The role of NRG is still being studied. Further studies are required to identify its mechanisms of action.

Catpa demo.