18/07/2026
A new review published in Current Trends in OMICS explores the emerging role of protein glycosylation in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, highlighting how alterations in this essential post-translational modification may contribute to neurotransmitter dysregulation and disease progression. By examining the interplay between glycosylation and key neurotransmitter systems—including dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin—the review provides fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying one of the most complex psychiatric disorders.
The article discusses how abnormal N-linked glycosylation affects protein folding, receptor activation, synaptic signaling, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Altered glycosylation of glutamate receptor subunits, together with neuroanatomical changes such as reduced grey matter and decreased synaptic density, may play a critical role in schizophrenia development. Understanding these molecular alterations could pave the way for novel biomarkers and targeted therapeutic strategies.
The authors also emphasize the translational potential of glycosylation research in precision psychiatry. By integrating advances in glycobiology with neuroscience, future therapies may better address the underlying biological mechanisms of schizophrenia, opening new avenues for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment.
Authors: Sahar Safdar, Muhammad Qasim Khan, Saba Farooq, Ayesha Aftab, Muhammad Ammar, Syeda Marriam Bakhtiar
https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/CTO/article/view/8496
