Exploring genetic factors in severe mental illness among Latin American and African populations
1/4 Powering Genetic Discovery for Severe Mental Illness in Latin American and African Ancestries
This study is looking for specific genetic differences that might be linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in people with Latin American and African backgrounds, hoping to improve our understanding of these conditions and help reduce health gaps in these communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10908329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to identify genetic variations linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder specifically in Latin American and African ancestries. By expanding the diversity of genetic studies, the project will analyze a large number of samples, including 120,000 new samples and 22,500 previously sequenced samples. The approach involves low-pass whole genome sequencing to uncover both common and rare genetic variants that may contribute to these mental health conditions. This collaborative effort seeks to enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of severe mental illnesses and address health disparities in these populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation 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 severe mental illness or those from non-Latin American or non-African ancestries may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for severe mental illnesses in underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in genetic studies of mental illness, but this project aims to address a significant gap by focusing on underrepresented populations.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neale, Benjamin Michael — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Neale, Benjamin Michael
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.