Open AccessBrain Disorders and Novel Therapeutics
Author(s) -
Hanns Möhler
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
chimia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.387
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 2673-2424
pISSN - 0009-4293
DOI - 10.2533/000942904777677461
Subject(s) - neuroscience , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , gabaergic , gabaa receptor , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , neurotransmission , anxiety , biology , psychology , medicine , receptor , psychiatry , genetics
Using the power of genetic intervention, a strategy is illustrated which permits new insights into the pathobiology of brain diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. Brain function is based on a delicate balance between excitory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Selective circuits of GABAergic inhibitory transmission were targeted by introducing point mutations in defined GABAA receptor subtype genes in mice (knock-in strategy). New behavioural phenotypes were generated which reflect various brain disorders. In addition, novel drug targets were identified for the treatment of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, memory deficits, and schizophrenia.