Stem cells may help identify new schizophrenia drugs
In a new study, published in Stem Cell ReportsTrusted Source, researchers highlight how various genetic differences have previously been associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia.
In a new study, published in Stem Cell ReportsTrusted Source, researchers highlight how various genetic differences have previously been associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia.
These differences affect a protein called complement component 4 (C4)Trusted Source, which is more active in the brains of people with schizophrenia.
To develop effective drugs for lowering C4 levels, the researchers devised a method to create large quantities of C4-secreting human astrocytesTrusted Source from stem cells.
Astrocytes are cells in the brain that play an important role in connecting brain cells together and removing unnecessary connections. They are part of the brain’s immune system and secrete the C4 protein.
The brains of people with schizophrenia also tend to have fewer connections between certain brain cells. Some researchers think that C4 might be involved in removing these connections.
However, the exact way that C4 is related to schizophrenia is not fully understood.
The team screened 464 drugs and identified a small group of approximately 20 that reduced C4 secretion from astrocytes. They found some drugs that could control C4 and also predicted other ways to control it.
These drugs were effective in both healthy astrocytes and those derived from schizophrenia patients’ stem cells.
The study presents new opportunities for examining inflammatory responses and their regulation in human astrocytes and provides a platform for identifying potential therapeutic drugs in large-scale screening efforts.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stem-cells-may-help-identify-new-schizophrenia-drugs
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