Targeting the glutamate system to treat schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a leading cause of global disability, affecting approximately 1% of the population. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that there are alterations in the glutamate system and the glutamate receptor, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), in individuals with schizophrenia. Post-mortem investigations reveal changes in NMDA receptors across different brain regions. More recently, studies utilising Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging have identified lower NMDA receptor levels in the hippocampus relative to other brain regions in people with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. 

Studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have enables the in vivo examination of glutamate and its metabolic, glutamine. They have found region-specific alterations in people with schizophrenia. This talk will explore the latest findings from these studies and the implications for drug development. This will include the review of glycine type 1 transporter inhibitors and drugs targeting brain glutamate such as riluzole as potential treatments for schizophrenia. 

This talk will also critically review the success and setbacks in drug discovery for these targets, discussing the underlying reasons. Additionally, the potential utility of neuroimaging in guiding future frug development in this area will be explored. 

This seminar is part of the Departmental Seminar Series and is hosted in the Seminar Room and online:

• zoom.us/j/92620728590?pwd=s1JefrGff6bN0nZZcHSTBkCw8Z1RlT.1
• Meeting ID: 926 2072 8590
• Passcode: 196542