Identifying genetic factors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in diverse populations
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-11030780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes might play a role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder specifically in Latino individuals, and it will involve gathering information from 1,500 people, including those with these conditions and healthy individuals, to better understand how genetics can affect mental health and treatment options.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $429,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH115676-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Latino individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as healthy Latino controls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Latino or who have other mental health conditions unrelated to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular factors that contribute to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, focusing specifically on Latino individuals. By integrating genetic data with transcriptomic information, the study aims to uncover causal relationships between genetic variants and these mental health conditions. The research will involve collecting and analyzing data from 1,500 Latino participants, including those diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as healthy controls. This approach seeks to enhance understanding of how genetic diversity impacts disease susceptibility and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, particularly for Latino populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors for these disorders in European populations, but this study aims to expand that knowledge to underrepresented Latino populations.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
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.
-
Investigating genetic factors linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
This study is looking at the genes that might play a role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to help us understand how these conditions develop, which could lead to better treatments for those affected.
-
Investigating how environmental and genetic factors contribute to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
This study looks at how things like growing up in a city or facing tough times as a child might affect the chances of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and how these factors mix with our genes; it's designed to help us find better ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
-
Understanding social disconnection in schizophrenia using digital signals and brain data
This grant explores how smartphones, social networks, and brain imaging can reveal why Veterans with schizophrenia have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, with the goal of guiding better treatments.
-
Understanding how autism and schizophrenia risk genes affect brain development
Scientists are testing how mutations in certain autism and schizophrenia risk genes change brain cells and networks, using patient-derived cells and organoids.
-
Digital support to spread team-based schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A project to help frontline health workers in India use digital tools to provide coordinated schizophrenia care in primary care, with plans to inform care in the United States as well.
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.