Neuregulin and
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
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Debilitating mental illness affecting 1 % of the general population across the world.
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Onset in adolescent age.
Symptoms
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Positive symptoms
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Negative symptoms
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Avolition, Apathy
Disorganization symptoms
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Hallucinations, delusions
Inappropriate social behavior
Cognitive deficits
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Perceptual 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.
Reduction in brain activation during cognitive tasks
Van der stelt et al., , 2005
Thompson et al., , 2001
Achim et al., , 2005
Genetics of Schizophrenia
Kirov et al., , 2003
Neuregulin 1 – Linkage in 8p
Stefansson 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
Alzhimer’s 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….