Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
Official title: Integrating case-control transcriptomic and genetic data in admixed individuals to identify disease genes for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11319730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will combine genetic information and gene-activity (RNA) data from Latino people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and people without these conditions to find genes that raise disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2018 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $552,502 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH115676-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults of Latino or admixed ancestry with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as healthy Latino controls, are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not of Latino or admixed ancestry or who cannot provide a blood sample are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide a blood sample so researchers can measure gene activity (RNA) and link it to your genetic information. The team will generate transcriptome data from 1,500 Latino participants (500 with schizophrenia, 500 with bipolar disorder, and 500 controls) and merge those data with existing genetic studies. New statistical methods will be developed and used to handle mixed (admixed) ancestry so the genetic signals are accurate for people of Latino background. The goal is to reduce gaps in genetic research that have left underrepresented groups out of prior discoveries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal disease genes that improve genetic risk information and guide future treatments tailored to Latino and admixed patients.
How similar studies have gone: Integrating genetic and transcriptomic data has helped identify disease genes in European-ancestry groups, but applying these methods to Latino admixed populations is more recent and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ophoff, Roel a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ophoff, Roel a
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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.