Investigating brain biomarkers related to schizophrenia using neuroimaging
Official title: Using Neuroimaging to Investigate Mechanism-based Biomarkers of Schizophrenia
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11049269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in water in the brain might be linked to schizophrenia, especially in the early stages, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $745,741 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136503-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, particularly those in the early phases of the illness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who are in advanced stages of the illness or those without a clear diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the biological factors contributing to schizophrenia by examining changes in brain water volume through neuroimaging techniques. It focuses on understanding how increased extracellular water volume, particularly in early stages of the illness, relates to the blood-brain barrier's permeability and inflammation. The study will analyze existing patient data and conduct experiments using a specialized animal model to uncover the connections between neuroimaging findings, blood biomarkers, and cognitive function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for individuals with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous neuroimaging studies have shown promising results in understanding psychiatric conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kubicki, Marek — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kubicki, Marek
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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.