Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
Published on: July 9, 2016
Mitogen-activated protein kinases in schizophrenia
S V Kyosseva1, A D Elbein, W S Griffin
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are elevated in the cerebellar vermis of schizophrenia patients. This suggests a potential dephosphorylation defect contributing to the disease pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are crucial for neuronal signal transduction.
- Previous research suggests schizophrenia involves abnormalities in the cerebellum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MAPKs in schizophrenia by comparing their levels in postmortem brain tissue.
- To examine MAPK intermediates in the cerebellar vermis of schizophrenic and control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis was used to quantify total extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2, and MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) 2 levels.
- Protein levels were analyzed in postmortem cerebellar vermis tissue from schizophrenic and control individuals.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenic subjects showed increased levels of ERK2 in the cerebellar vermis.
- Levels of MKP2 were significantly decreased in the cerebellar vermis of schizophrenic patients.
- Ratios of ERK1/MKP2 and ERK2/MKP2 were significantly altered in the cerebellar vermis of schizophrenic subjects.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MAPK levels in the cerebellar vermis may indicate a protein dephosphorylation defect in vivo.
- These MAPK alterations could be involved in the underlying pathology of schizophrenia.
More Related Videos
07:25Identification of Dopamine D1-Alpha Receptor Within Rodent Nucleus Accumbens by an Innovative RNA In Situ Detection Technology
Published on: March 27, 2018
05:14Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Related Concept Videos
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.