BDNF's role in neuron-astrocyte signaling linked to schizophrenia risk
Official title: Examining the role of BDNF in the synaptic neuron-astrocyte program underlying genetic risk for schizophrenia
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11445130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring how brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) shapes the communication between neurons and support cells to understand schizophrenia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $194,400 |
| NIH project number | 1K08MH143068-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with schizophrenia or those at genetic/clinical risk who may benefit from future targeted therapies or biomarkers tied to the BDNF-SNAP pathway.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic science; results may not immediately translate to existing treatment options for all patients.
What this research studies
This grant examines how BDNF coordinates a neuron-astrocyte network involved in synaptic function, a program linked to schizophrenia risk. Using human brain data and animal models, the study seeks to map how reduced BDNF levels may disrupt neural circuits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and connected regions. The work aims to identify how genetic variants near BDNF and its target genes influence this intercellular program, with potential implications for new therapies. The project is led by Yong Hoon Kim at McLean Hospital and runs from 2026 to 2030.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform development of more targeted treatments or diagnostics for schizophrenia by clarifying BDNF-related brain networks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked BDNF signaling to neuronal networks implicated in schizophrenia, supporting a plausible path forward, though detailed SNAP-BDNF mechanisms are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yong Hoon — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yong Hoon
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.