Schizophrenia is commonly regarded as a disorder of neuroplasticity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptic function and regulation is critical for identifying disease-related abnormalities and novel therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence supports the importance of a functional neuron-glia interface to healthy synapses. This interface is sensitive to both genetic and environmental manipulations, and its disruption can affect brain development and lead to circuitry alterations that manifest as schizophrenia symptoms. The symposium will focus on latest research discoveries related to the tripartite synapse, which consists of pre- and post-synaptic neurons and perisynaptic astrocytic processes. The tripartite synapse is a tightly regulated unit that may be particularly important for prefrontal cortex development and function and provides a rich target for therapeutic intervention. The speakers of the symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of most recent preclinical and translational research discoveries related to tripartite synapse function in health and disease.
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