Exploring genetic factors in severe mental illness among Latin American and African populations
3/4 Powering Genetic Discovery for Severe Mental Illness in Latin American andAfrican Ancestries
This study is looking at how genes might play a role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, especially in people from Latin America and Africa, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896963 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance our understanding of genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, particularly in underrepresented populations from Latin America and Africa. By collaborating with international experts, the project will analyze genetic data from a large cohort of 120,000 samples, alongside existing data from 22,500 samples. The goal is to identify new genetic variants associated with these mental health conditions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options. This initiative addresses the critical need for diversity in genetic studies to reduce health disparities in mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of Latin American or African descent who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or who do not belong to the targeted ancestry groups, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new genetic markers that improve diagnosis and treatment for severe mental illnesses in diverse populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors in mental health disorders through diverse population studies, indicating a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pato, Carlos N — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pato, Carlos N
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.