Investigating brain cell interactions and changes in early psychosis using patient-derived stem cells
Official title: Dysfunctional neurovascular interactions and neuroprogression in early-course psychosis: ex vivo investigation with patient-derived stem cells
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11132270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells and the protective barrier around the brain work together and might affect the early symptoms of psychosis, using special cells from patients to create models that help us learn more about what's happening in the brain, which could lead to better treatments for you.
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 start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $836,344 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137205-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-course psychosis who are experiencing cognitive and functional decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychotic disorders who are not in the early stages of their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how interactions between brain cells and the blood-brain barrier may contribute to the progression of symptoms in early-course psychosis. By using patient-derived stem cells, the study aims to create models that mimic the brain's environment to investigate cellular and molecular changes. The approach includes developing assays to measure the function of brain microvascular cells and neurons, which could reveal important insights into the mechanisms of neuroprogression. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for individuals experiencing early psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored aspects of neuroprogression and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, this research aims to establish novel mechanistic links that have not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karmacharya, Rakesh — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Karmacharya, Rakesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Psychosis in diverse settings across the world
This project studies how psychotic disorders show up and respond to treatment in adults with diverse backgrounds, including populations in Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings.
-
Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
A human-facing study will look at how psychotic disorders present and respond to treatment in adults from Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings, using genetic and clinical data.
-
A new online brain-scan-style tool to spot early psychosis risk
A new online-based set of tasks and a computer model aims to identify people at high risk for developing psychosis earlier and more accurately.
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Genetic clues for early-onset psychosis in Latino youth
This project looks at the genes of young people with early-onset psychosis and compares them with similar youths without psychosis to find genetic factors that contribute to the illness.
-
Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.
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Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.
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.