Elucidation of Molecular and Cellular Basis of Synapse-Glia System Dysfunction in Schizophrenia toward Creation of Novel Strategies for its Diagnosis and Treatment

Research Project Outline

Despite a body of evidence indicating that disturbed glutamate (Glu) neurotransmission may be involved in schizophrenia that is an intractable brain disease with a high prevalence, the exact mechanisms of the disturbance remains unclear. In the present research project, we aim at elucidating not only neuronal but also glial components of the Glu synapse dysregulation in schizophrenia by focusing our special attention on the molecular and cellular basis of the neuron-glia communication by a crucial Glu synapse modulator D-serine. Based upon these new approaches together with the clinical trials of a D-serine signal modifier, D-cycloserine, to treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients, we will attempt to create innovate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the Glu synapse-glia system for schizophrenia.