The schizophrenic faces of PICK1

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a grave psychiatric disorder with psychotic symptoms and an enigmatic etiology. Family studies have strongly indicated that genetic risk factors have a role in this disease. Recent findings, together with previously established evidence, highlight the PDZ-domain-containing protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) as a promising candidate for a schizophrenia susceptibility gene. Here, we outline possible molecular mechanisms, discuss clinical case-studies that indicate an unexpected role of PICK1 in schizophrenia and discuss potential avenues for pharmacological manipulation of PICK1.