Data generated largely by investigators of this Conte Center application provide compelling evidence that the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in schizophrenia. These data include the observations that the expression of the alpha7 subunit is reduced in the hippocampus of schizophrenics (Project 1), genetic variants in CHRNA7, the gene that encodes the alpha7 subunit, are associated with schizophrenia and auditory sensory gating deficits (Project 3) and auditory gating deficits are common among schizophrenics and the selective alpha7 agonist DMXB-A improves gating deficits (Project 1). In addition, the alpha7 selective agonist choline has been shown to improve auditory gating in human infants when administered perinatally (Project 2). Strikingly similar data have been obtained in mice. For example, we have shown in mice that 1) auditory gating deficits are correlated with reduced alpha7 receptor expression, 2) genetic variability in Chrna7 is linked to reduced expression of alpha7 receptors and auditory gating deficits, 3) the alpha7 receptor selective agonist DMXB-A improves gating deficits and, 4) perinatal choline improves auditory gating in a gating deficient mouse strain. In Project 4 we will take advantage of the similarities between human and mouse with respect to alpha7 receptors and auditory gating to address fundamental biological questions regarding the specific role of alpha7 receptors and Chrna7 in normal and deficient auditory gating. The specific questions that will be addressed in Project 4 are 1) what is the molecular mechanism(s) through which genetic variability in Chrna7 leads to reduced expression of alpha7 recptors and auditory gating deficits 2) what is the neurobiological mechanism by which reduced expression of alpha7 receptors might lead to gating deficits? and 3) what is the mechanism through which perinatal choline improves auditory gating? Project 4 supports the clinical research of Projects 1 and 2. It performs molecular genetics experiments in parallel with Project 3, and it supports the phenotyping of mice in Projects 5 and 6.

Public Health Relevance

New therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia are needed to improve cognitive dysfunction and negative symptoms and to prevent the development of psychosis. The Center investigates a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as a new therapeutic target. Investigational results are used to design a new drug treatment for schizophrenia and a preventative nutrient intervention during infant development, both of which activate this receptor.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
5P50MH086383-02
Application #
8120338
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZMH1)
Project Start
2010-08-01
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2010-08-01
Budget End
2011-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$312,295
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Type
DUNS #
041096314
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
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Smucny, Jason; Tregellas, Jason R (2017) Targeting neuronal dysfunction in schizophrenia with nicotine: Evidence from neurophysiology to neuroimaging. J Psychopharmacol 31:801-811
Hutchison, Amanda K; Hunter, Sharon K; Wagner, Brandie D et al. (2017) Diminished Infant P50 Sensory Gating Predicts Increased 40-Month-Old Attention, Anxiety/Depression, and Externalizing Symptoms. J Atten Disord 21:209-218
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Chow, Ke-Huan; Yan, Zihao; Wu, Wei-Li (2016) Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C). J Vis Exp :e53643
D'Anna-Hernandez, Kimberly L; Garcia, Esmeralda; Coussons-Read, Mary et al. (2016) Sleep Moderates and Mediates the Relationship Between Acculturation and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Mexican-American Women. Matern Child Health J 20:422-33
Reed, Alexandra C; Harris, Josette G; Olincy, Ann (2016) Schizophrenia, smoking status, and performance on the matrics Cognitive Consensus Battery. Psychiatry Res 246:1-8
Ross, Randal G; Hunter, Sharon K; Hoffman, M Camille et al. (2016) Perinatal Phosphatidylcholine Supplementation and Early Childhood Behavior Problems: Evidence for CHRNA7 Moderation. Am J Psychiatry 173:509-16

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