Basic information

Investigator: Mgr. Radomír Jůza, Ph.D. 
Main recipient: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Co-recipient: n/a
Research period: 01/02/2024 - 31/01/2027
Total budget: 5 277 000 CZK
NIMH budget: 5 277 000 CZK
Supported by: The Czech Science Foundation (GACR)

Annotation

Dopaminergic D2 receptors are a major target in the treatment of schizophrenia, used mainly to alleviate positive symptoms. Due to the high expression of 5-HT3 receptors in brain regions responsible for emotional behavior, motivation, and cognitive function, 5-HT3Rs represent a suitable target for influencing the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus, 5-HT3R antagonists can reduce these schizophrenia deficits when added to standard antipsychotic medications. Clinical studies also point to the use of 5-HT3R antagonists for the treatment of depression, which very often accompanies schizophrenia. Based on the defined properties of 5-HT3R antagonists against negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and comorbid depression, we expect that new drugs targeting simultaneously 5-HT3R and D2R will show a comprehensive therapeutic effect in the treatment of these diseases. Based on preliminary data, we will develop a new family of small molecules that will be validated by a battery of in vitro and in vivo experiments in models of both schizophrenia and depression.