NRG1 Gene

Increased neuregulin signaling in schizophrenia may suppress the NMDA receptor, leading to lowered glutamate levels.

Increased neuregulin signaling in schizophrenia may suppress the NMDA receptor, leading to lowered glutamate levels.

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a growth factor that stimulates neuron development and differentiation. Originally identified as the proto-oncogene (tumor activator) Neu/ErbB2, NRG1 contains immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor-like domains. NRG1 interacts with cells through the Neu/ErbB2 receptor, which is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family. Increased neuregulin signaling in schizophrenia may suppress the NMDA receptor, leading to lowered glutamate levels. NRG1 also regulates the postsynaptic density (PSD-95). Differential RNA splicing gives rise to a variety of isoforms that function as growth factors in different cell types. The beginning (5’ region) of the gene has been most implicated in schizophrenia; however no mutations have yet been identified in coding regions of the gene that are related to schizophrenia. In addition, a number of recent studies have identified NRG1 as a candidate gene for bipolar disorder.