Brain models to explain how neuron groups change in schizophrenia
Biophysical modeling as a translational bridge for understanding neural ensemble alterations in schizophrenia.
This project uses computer-based brain models and MRI data from people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, their close relatives, and healthy volunteers to link animal findings to human brain circuit changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263710 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work that links mouse calcium imaging findings to human MRI by measuring 'voxel ensemble reliability' (v-ER), a brain imaging index related to how consistently groups of neurons respond. The team combines data from about 1,760 people drawn from existing HCP Young Adult, HCP Psychosis, and HCP Early Psychosis datasets, including patients, first-degree relatives, and healthy volunteers. They apply biophysical computer models to translate mouse results into human brain signals using resting-state and visual-stimulation fMRI. The aim is to better understand circuit-level changes that may underlie thinking, attention, and other cognitive problems in schizophrenia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults represented in the included datasets: people diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, their first-degree relatives, or healthy volunteers who can undergo MRI.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI scans (for example due to certain implants or severe agitation), or those seeking immediate therapeutic interventions, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this primarily observational and analysis-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal specific brain circuit patterns tied to cognitive problems and help guide future targeted treatments or clinical trials.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown reduced neuronal ensemble reliability and some human imaging work links circuit changes to cognition, but applying biophysical models and the v-ER measure across large human datasets is a newer, translational approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wengler, Kenneth — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Wengler, Kenneth
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.