Exploring the Frequency & Morphology of ErbB4-positive Cells in the Post-Mortem Brains of Schizophrenia Specimens: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder that has a strong genetic component, involving the neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and ErbB4 signaling pathway. However, its precise etiology is still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate ErbB4 expression patterns in post-mortem brain tissues from SZ and control subjects. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) data from the Allen Institute Human Brain Atlas, we performed qualitative and quantitative analyses of ErbB4+ cell frequency, size, circularity, and Feret angles across all six cortical layers of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Our results revealed that, overall, control samples exhibited higher ErbB4 expression levels, with SZ samples showing smaller, more circular ErbB4+ cells, suggesting altered neuronal morphology and possible disruptions in synaptic connectivity. Additionally, Feret angle analysis indicated differences in cell orientation between SZ and control groups, which may reflect changes in cortical communication patterns in SZ. These findings contribute to understanding the altered cellular characteristics of ErbB4+ cells in SZ, supporting the hypothesis that disruptions in ErbB4 expression and morphology play a role in SZ pathophysiology. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and explore multiple brain regions to further elucidate ErbB4's role in the disorder and its potential as a therapeutic target.