Schizophrenia

Estefania Pilar Bello, Ph.D., at Columbia University will investigate brain circuitry alterations thought to contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Previous research has shown that an excess of dopamine in a part of the brain called the striatum is linked to development of the illness. However, studies have also found a reduction of dopamine in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Using novel mouse models that have these alterations, Dr. Bello seeks to better understand if and how these opposing changes interact, if one causes the other, and what symptoms each change is responsible for.