How sex and puberty affect brain development related to schizophrenia

Sex and pubertal influences on developmental trajectories of brain networks involved in schizophrenia

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11007215

This study is looking at how being male or female and going through puberty affects brain development in teenagers with schizophrenia, and it aims to understand how these differences might relate to their symptoms by tracking brain activity over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11007215 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how biological sex and puberty influence the development of brain networks associated with schizophrenia in adolescents. By utilizing data from a large longitudinal study, the researchers will analyze brain activity and connectivity in specific neural networks during critical developmental stages. The study aims to identify differences in brain function between sexes and how these differences may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. Participants will undergo fMRI tasks to assess their brain responses and connectivity patterns over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 9 to 20, particularly those who may be experiencing early signs of schizophrenia or related symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 9 to 20 or those without any symptoms related to schizophrenia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for schizophrenia by tailoring interventions based on sex and developmental stage.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and sex differences in mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.