Polyamine and Schizophrenia Working Group

Polyamines are aliphatic molecules containing 2, 3, or 4 amino groups commonly found in nature and living organisms. In the nervous system, G proteins interact with protein kinases, nucleotide cyclases, and receptors, as well as neurotransmitter systems such as catecholamines, GABA, nitric oxide, and glutamate. Polyamine stress response (PSY) is an accepted approach with the understanding that stressful stimuli cause significant changes in polyamine metabolism and levels.
A disruption in the signal transduction system following physical, sensory, or hormonal stressors causes PSY. Polyamine stress is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders, especially suicidal behavior, depression, and schizophrenia. (Fiori and Turecki, 2008). Recently, evidence has been obtained pointing to the relationship between agmatine, which is considered a new polyamine neurotransmitter, and PSY and especially schizophrenia (Uzbay et al., 2010; 2013). When the current findings are combined with earlier data, it is understood that the increase in polyamine can trigger serious mental problems. There is also some preliminary evidence that draws attention to the relationship between PSY and anxiety, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the role and importance of PSY in neuropsychiatric disorders have not been adequately discussed.

The focus of this working group is to produce projects and conduct studies on the relationship between polyamines, PSY, and neuropsychiatric diseases. The primary area is the relationship between polyamines and schizophrenia.