Investigating brain disruptions linked to schizophrenia risks in adolescents
Official title: Thalamocortical disruption as a convergence point for schizophrenia risks
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11102252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain changes might cause symptoms like hearing voices in teenagers with schizophrenia, using mice to help find clues that could lead to better treatments and help them stick to their medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $735,932 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139498-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have genetic predispositions to schizophrenia, such as those with 22q11.2 or 3q29 microdeletion syndromes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have the specific genetic variations associated with increased schizophrenia risk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as auditory hallucinations, particularly in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By studying mouse models with specific genetic variations known to increase schizophrenia risk, the research aims to identify disruptions in brain connections that may lead to these symptoms. The approach involves examining thalamocortical projections, which are critical for auditory processing, to uncover potential biological markers that could inform treatment strategies. The findings could help improve adherence to antipsychotic medications by providing insights into the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments for schizophrenia, reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the quality of life for affected adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and biological underpinnings of schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zakharenko, Stanislav S — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zakharenko, Stanislav S
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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.