Investigating the interaction between BDNF-TrkB signaling, inhibitory interneurons and cognition with relevance to schizophrenia

Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia represent a possible therapeutic target. BDNF-TrkB signaling and inhibitory interneurons are considered part of the pathophysiology but the dynamics between them are not fully understood. Three mouse models of altered BDNF-TrkB signaling were used to investigate the interaction with inhibitory interneurons upon behaviour and molecular markers. This thesis supports that BDNF-TrkB signaling and inhibitory interneurons interact with sex to contribute to learning and memory problems. This thesis calls for a stronger research focus on these systems so that preventative and targeted approaches can be developed for schizophrenia.