Genetic influences on the brain's white matter connections worldwide
Global studies into the Genetic Architecture of the Brain's White Matter Network through Harmonized and Coordinated Analyses in the ENIGMA-Consortium
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11126567
This project maps how genes affect the brain's white matter connections to better understand risks for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126567 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are combining brain MRI scans and genetic data from many countries through the ENIGMA network to study the brain's white matter pathways that enable communication between regions. They will harmonize imaging methods so scans from different sites can be compared, use diffusion MRI measures of white matter, and apply genetics and AI tools to identify patterns linked to mental illnesses. The work focuses on disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder and compares similarities and differences across these conditions. All results and analytic tools will be shared publicly to help other researchers and accelerate translation into care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or individuals who have had a brain MRI and genetic testing at participating research centers are the most likely to be included.
Not a fit: Patients without available brain MRI or genetic data, or those with conditions not related to the psychiatric disorders under study, are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal genetic and brain-based markers that improve risk prediction, guide personalized treatment, or point to new targets for therapies in psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ENIGMA consortium analyses have already identified common white matter differences across psychiatric disorders, so this work builds on successful, large-scale collaborative findings.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAHANSHAD, NEDA — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: JAHANSHAD, NEDA
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.