[BK21 Plus Seminar]
               
                 
              ▶Subject: DISC1 phosphorylation during brain development in psychotic disorders: Bedside to bench and back to bedside
                         
              ▶Speaker: Prof. Koko Ishizuka
                        (Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins Univ.)
                                      
              ▶Date: 4:00PM/Sept. 10(Thur.)/2015
                      
              ▶Place: Life Science Bldg. #104
                       
                     *Abctract
                   Both of human and basic studies have suggested that DISC1 is a risk factor of a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions, but it remains elusive how this molecule affects brain anatomy and higher brain function in humans, which in turn underlies the disease risk.
  Proper control of progenitor proliferation and neural migration are crucial for cortical development and neural circuitry formation. Many studies have showed that DISC1 is involved in both of progenitor proliferation and neuronal migration. Furthermore, we reported that a specific phosphorylation on DISC1 is crucial in switching the cell fate from progenitor proliferation to neuronal migration in mouse developing cortex.
  The aim of this study is to validate this molecular signature as a biological marker for brain anatomy and function relevant to major mental disorders. By using a multi-faceted approach, including human neurons, brain imaging, and clinical assessments, we observed that the level of phosphorylation of DISC1 was decreased in neurons obtained from patients with psychotic disorders, compared to those from controls. This decrease led to delayed neural differentiation, and was associated with impaired cognitive function in patients.  Specific protein phosphorylation has been successfully used as a predictive marker for Alzheimer’s disease, e.g. for the Tau protein.  We hope that this specific phosphorylation of DISC1 can be used as a marker for major mental disorders.  To detect patients with biomarkers at the initial disease stage provides an opportunity for early, potentially preventative, interventions

             ▶Inquiry: Prof. Park, Sang Ki (279-2349)
                     
              * This seminar will be given in English.
      please refrain from taking photos during seminars. *