Human stem cell-based models to study synaptic dysfunction and cognition in schizophrenia: A narrative review.

Schizophrenia research
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Cognitive impairment is the strongest predictor of functional outcomes in schizophrenia and is hypothesized to result from synaptic dysfunction. However, targeting synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits in patients remains a significant clinical challenge. A comprehensive understanding of synaptic plasticity and the molecular basis of learning and memory in a disease context can provide specific targets for the development of novel therapeutics targeting cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Here, we describe the role of synaptic plasticity in cognition, summarize evidence for synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia and demonstrate the use of patient derived induced-pluripotent stem cells for studying synaptic plasticity in vitro. Lastly, we discuss current advances and future technologies for bridging basic science research of synaptic dysfunction with clinical and translational research that can be used to predict treatment response and develop novel therapeutics.

Year of Publication
2023
Journal
Schizophrenia research
Date Published
03/2023
ISSN
1573-2509
DOI
10.1016/j.schres.2023.02.029
PubMed ID
36925354
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