Creating a biobank for genetics research on severe mental illness in Latin America
A Latin American biobank for large-scale genetics research on severe mental illness
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11076638
This study is creating a special collection of DNA and health information from 50,000 people with severe mental illness and 50,000 healthy individuals in Colombia to help us learn more about the genetic factors that may influence these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11076638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to establish the Latin American Biobank of Severe Mental Illness (LAB-SMI), which will collect and provide access to DNA samples and health data from 50,000 individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) and an equal number of matched controls. Participants will be drawn from a culturally homogenous population in Colombia, specifically the 'Paisa' region, ensuring a diverse representation of genetic and phenotypic data. The research will utilize electronic medical records from large psychiatric hospitals to identify individuals with psychotic or mood disorders, as well as healthy controls, to better understand the genetic factors associated with these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders, as well as healthy individuals from the same geographic region.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental illnesses who are not part of the Paisa population or those who do not reside in the targeted geographic area may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for severe mental illnesses, particularly in underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully utilized biobanks to advance understanding of psychiatric conditions, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FREIMER, NELSON B. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: FREIMER, NELSON B.
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.
Conditions: Affective Disorders, bipolar affective disorder