Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway in schizophrenia (Review).

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that affects cognition, emotions and behaviour. Among the signaling pathways that show dysregulation in schizophrenia is the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. JAK/STAT is a pleiotropic pathway that plays key roles in multiple cellular functions. A brief overview of dysregulated signaling in schizophrenia is provided in the present review, focusing on the JAK/STAT pathway. Depending on the disease stage, dysregulation of signaling pathways causes inflammation, which is a key factor in the onset and maintenance of schizophrenia. The dysregulated JAK/STAT signaling pathway is implicated in schizophrenia through numerous processes, including neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptic plasticity and microglia activation. Research on JAK/STAT pathway components can contribute to knowledge that will be translated into efficient therapeutic management strategies to improve the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.