Calcineurin (CaN)

Calcineurin is responsible for activating the transcription of interleukin 2 (IL-2), that stimulates the growth and differentiation of T cell response. In immunosuppressive therapy it is inhibited by cyclosporin, pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (FK506) - these drugs are known as calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin dephosphorylates NFATc, a transcription factor that can then go into the nucleus and turn on genes involved in IL-2 synthesis. Calcineurin is linked to receptors for two brain chemicals, NMDA and dopamine. A MIT experiment with genetically altered mice who could not produce calcineurin showed similar symptoms as in humans with schizophrenia: impairment in working memory, attention deficits, aberrant social behavior and several other abnormalities characteristic of schizophrenia.