Fibroblast Growth Factor: Promising Target for Schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with neuroanatomical and biochemical underpinnings.
• The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) system is increasingly recognized for its potential role in schizophrenia.
• Alterations in FGFs are linked to the causes, symptoms, and progression of schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) system in schizophrenia.
• To explore the connection between FGFs and dopamine signaling in schizophrenia.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia based on FGFs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Open Access Journals, and LISTA (EBSCO).
• Keywords used in the search encompassed 'fibroblast growth factors', 'FGFs', 'dopamine', 'schizophrenia', 'psychosis', and 'neurotrophic'.
• The review focused on studies examining gene expression, protein levels, and functional interactions of FGFs in the context of schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates that changes in FGF gene expression and/or levels are associated with the etiology, symptoms, and progression of schizophrenia.
• A significant interaction between FGFs and the dopamine receptor signaling pathway has been substantiated.
• The FGF system plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and neuronal function, relevant to schizophrenia pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) family presents promising molecular candidates for novel drug and treatment targets in schizophrenia.
• Targeting the FGF system may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing schizophrenia.
• Further research into FGFs' role in schizophrenia could lead to innovative treatment approaches.