CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use linked to memory problems
Official title: Terminal type-specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor alterations in schizophrenia and cannabis use
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11395592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the brain’s cannabinoid system may work differently in people with schizophrenia who use cannabis, especially affecting memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,540 |
| NIH project number | 5K08MH136415-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with schizophrenia who use cannabis or have a history of cannabis exposure, and who are able to participate in brain-imaging or postmortem analyses.
✕Less likely to help
People without schizophrenia or cannabis exposure, or those unable to participate in brain-related assessments, may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Schizophrenia patients who use cannabis may have unique changes in brain CB1 receptors at different neuron terminals, which could worsen cognitive symptoms. The project builds on prior work in humans and animals to map how THC exposure alters CB1 receptor levels in specific brain connections. By examining terminal-specific CB1R expression and signaling, the researchers aim to understand how schizophrenia and cannabis use together affect brain function. The findings could point toward targeted strategies to support memory and cognition in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to targeted treatments or behavioral strategies to improve memory and daily functioning for people with schizophrenia who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed terminal-type CB1R differences in schizophrenia and cannabis exposure, suggesting this line of research could reveal consistent, clinically relevant patterns.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chou, Shinn-Yi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chou, Shinn-Yi
Related research
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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.