Genetic variations in the growth factor neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and in its receptor tyrosine kinase ERBB4 are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. Law et al. identified a signalling pathway regulated by schizophrenia-associated ERBB4 genotype, which involved increased expression of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-linked ERBB4 receptor and the PI3K subunit p110δ. In rodent models, inhibition of p110δ using a small molecule prevented psychosis and reversed schizophrenia-related phenotypes, suggesting that p110δ could be a new target for the treatment of schizophrenia.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Law, A. J. et al. Neuregulin 1–ErbB4–PI3K signaling in schizophrenia and phosphoinositide 3-kinase–p110δ inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 11 Jun 2012 (doi:10.1073/pnas.1206118109)
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Harrison, C. Targeting a PI3K subunit in schizophrenia. Nat Rev Drug Discov 11, 602 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3814
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3814
