Detailed signaling profiling of G protein-coupled receptors

Schizophrenia is known as a "dopamine disorder", as dysfunctional dopamine neurotransmission in the brain is linked to the disease. The main goal of this project is to explore the detailed signalling profile of naturally occurring genetic variants at the dopamine D2R receptor subtype found in patients with schizophrenia. To achieve this goal, we will test a range of clinical antipsychotics with different chemical structures using a novel pharmacological assay that allows efficient mapping of G protein pathway engagement in one assay system. The results will build a basis towards understanding the link between naturally occurring mutations at the D2R, the chemical structure of the ligands and the signaling profile and clinical effectiveness.