Dystrobrevin-binding protein-1 (dysbindin or DTNBP1) has been proposed as an NMDA-related schizophrenia susceptibility gene. Dysbindin has also been associated with cognitive impairments, especially poor working memory. This preclinical study [16] investigated the neurophysiology and behavioral effects in dysbindin mutant mice. The principal findings were decreased NMDA evoked currents in pyramidal neurons and decreases in NR1 (an NMDA subunit) expression. Decreases in NR1 expression correlated with deficits in spatial working memory performance, providing a link between structural changes in the NMDA receptor and cognitive changes previously associated with dysbindin expression.
