Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Antipsychotic Drugs Differentially Affect mRNA Expression of Genes Encoding the Neuregulin 1-Downstream ErbB4-PI3K
Michał Seweryn Karbownik1, Janusz Szemraj, Łukasz Wieteska
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
Background/Aims:
The PIK3CD gene encodes the delta catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), an element of the neuregulin 1-downstream ErbB4-PI3K signaling pathway, which was recently identified as a molecular target for the treatment of schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of haloperidol (HALO), clozapine (CLO), olanzapine (OLA), quetiapine (QUE) and amisulpride (AMI) on the mRNA and protein expression of genes encoding the elements of ErbB4-PI3K pathway, in a human central nervous system cell line.
Methods:
The U-87MG human glioblastoma cell line was used as an experimental model. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of mRNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for protein expression.
Results:
At concentrations reached in clinical settings in the brain, CLO, as well as OLA and QUE to a lesser extent, but not AMI and probably not HALO, decreased the mRNA expression of PIK3CD. Protein expression of the gene did not confirm the mRNA expression profile.
Conclusions:
The tested antipsychotic drugs (APDs) in the U-87MG glioblastoma cell line differentially regulates the mRNA expression of PIK3CD; however, the protein expression does not confirm these findings. The results of the study may help deepen the understanding of the mechanism of action of APDs.
Related Concept Videos
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists

