Learning from Stem Cells in Schizophrenia

Researchers find diminished neuronal connectivity, fewer neurites, and gene expression changes in studies based on pluripotent stem cells.

Stem cells can provide a unique opportunity to examine the cellular processes of psychiatric disorders. To investigate molecular and genetic mechanisms in schizophrenia, investigators in a study partially funded by industry examined human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from schizophrenic patients and healthy controls for up to 3 months.

Fibroblasts from four patients with schizophrenia and six controls were reprogrammed into iPSCs. One patient was 6 years old; the other three were adults with family psychiatric histories (psychiatric disorders in all siblings and in one parent). The iPSCs were then programmed to differentiate into neurons, and the researchers examined synaptic function (i.e., synaptic potentials) and neuronal connect…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose