Fibroblast growth factors in schizophrenia

lands A large association study by O’Donovan et al recently sug-gested that genetic variation in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 increases the risk for developing schizophrenia. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are part of the family of glial growth factors; they control the growth and patterning of specific brain structures and regulate the maintenance and repair of neuronal tissues. In addition, a di-rect interaction was recently found between FGFRs and adenosineA2A receptors, leading to corticostriatal plasticity and antagonizing the signaling pathway of dopamine D2 receptors. These findings make FGFs plausible candidate genes for schizophrenia. Here, we review the role of FGFs in schizophrenia and combine evidence from studies on variations in FGF genes, RNA expression, protein levels, and FGFadministration, as well as the effects ofmedication and environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. These data suggest that changes in the FGF system contribute to schizophrenia and possibly to awider range of psychiatric disorders. The role of FGFs in schizophrenia and related disorders needs to be studied in more detail. Key words: glia/neurodevelopment/neurotrophic/ genetics/dopamine/psychosi