Brain blood-vessel and nerve-cell interactions in early psychosis
Dysfunctional neurovascular interactions and neuroprogression in early-course psychosis: ex vivo investigation with patient-derived stem cells
Researchers will use stem cells from people with early psychosis to look at how blood–brain barrier cells and neurons interact and might drive worsening symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I take part, the team will grow blood–brain barrier cells and cortical neurons from my donated cells in the lab. They will run lab tests of barrier function and study how substances released by the barrier cells change neuron structure and signaling. They will compare cells from people with early-course psychosis who show clinical decline to those who remain stable to link lab findings with real-world illness course. The goal is to identify molecular and cellular signs that explain why some people with early psychosis get worse over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with early-course psychosis who can provide blood or skin samples and share clinical history and follow-up information.
Not a fit: People without psychotic disorders or those with long-standing, chronic psychosis who cannot provide samples or clinical follow-up are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal lab markers and biological targets that help prevent or slow worsening in early psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found blood–brain barrier and cellular differences using patient-derived stem cells, but linking those lab findings to clinical worsening is a new step.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karmacharya, Rakesh — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Karmacharya, Rakesh
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 below.