Brain Cell Imaging for Schizophrenia
Imaging microglial dysfunction in schizophrenia
This project uses special brain imaging to understand how certain brain cells, called microglia, might contribute to schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how specific brain cells, called microglia, may not be working correctly in people with schizophrenia. Instead of inflammation, we believe these cells might be disrupting how the brain develops and communicates. Our goal is to use a new imaging technique, called PET, with a special tracer to see these microglia in the brain. This could help us understand the changes that lead to psychosis in young adults and adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on understanding schizophrenia in adolescents and adults.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify and understand the brain changes in schizophrenia, potentially guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on previous work showing low levels of a specific microglial marker in the brains of patients with schizophrenia and uses a newly developed imaging tracer.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coughlin, Jennifer Marie — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coughlin, Jennifer Marie
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.