How schizophrenia genes change brain immune cells that prune synapses
Characterization of schizophrenia liability genes in models of human microglial synaptic pruning
Looks at how genes linked to schizophrenia alter brain immune cells that remove connections, using cells made from people with and without schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303393 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team grows patient-derived brain immune cells (microglia-like cells) and nerve cell fragments in the lab to recreate how connections are trimmed. They use genetic engineering to change specific schizophrenia-linked genes in those cells and watch whether pruning and synapse engulfment change. The work relies on a biobank of cells from people with schizophrenia and matched controls so findings reflect human biology. Results will help pinpoint which genes cause pruning problems and why those changes happen.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with schizophrenia who can donate blood or skin samples (or who have already contributed cells to a biobank) would be ideal candidates for contributing to this research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate changes to their clinical care or those not able to provide biological samples are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal biological targets to protect synapses and guide development of new treatments to improve thinking and function in schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown reduced synapses in schizophrenia and linked the complement C4 gene to pruning, but using patient-derived microglia plus gene editing to test many risk genes is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheridan, Steven D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sheridan, Steven D
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.