Cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of
schizophrenia. Growing evidence indicates that a wide variety of genetic mutations and polymorphisms impact cognition and may thus be implicated in various aspects of this
mental disorder. Despite differences between human and rodent brain structure and function, genetic mouse models have contributed critical information about brain mechanisms involved in cognitive processes. Here, we summarize discoveries of genetic modifications in mice that impact cognition. Based on functional hypotheses, gene modifications within five model systems are described: 1)
dopamine (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, DAT, COMT,
MAO); 2)
glutamate (GluR-A, NR1, NR2A, NR2B, GRM2, GRM3, GLAST); 3)
GABA (α(5), γ(2), α(4), δGABA(A),
GABA(B(1)), GAT1); 4)
acetylcholine (nAChRβ2, α7, CHRM1); and 5)
calcium (
CaMKII-α,
neurogranin, CaMKKβ, CaMKIV). We also consider other risk-associated genes for
schizophrenia such as
dysbindin (DTNBP1),
neuregulin (NRG1), disrupted-in-schizophrenia1 (DISC1), reelin and
proline dehydrogenase (PRODH). Because of the presumed importance of environmental factors, we further consider genetic modifications within the stress-sensitive systems of
corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF),
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (
BDNF) and the
endocannabinoid systems. We highlight the missing information and limitations of cognitive assays in genetically modified mice models relevant to
schizophrenia pathology.