The field of neuroscience traditionally has focused on the physiology of the neuron as the effecter of brain function. However, another prominent component of the CNS, the glial cell, is equally important for proper CNS function. A growing body of evidence suggests that glial cell dysfunction may be a contributing factor in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Astrocytes, which provide structural and physiological support of neurons, also play a prominent role in glutamate transmission. Oligodendrocytes are myelin forming cells in CNS responsible for ensuring rapid and accurate transmission of electrical impulses. Several lines of evidence demonstrate reduced expression in myelin-associated proteins in the schizophrenic brain. I will be measuring changes in expression of glia-associated genes in regions of the brain implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia using in situ hybridization.

Amy Steffek