Investigating genetic factors in schizophrenia development
Official title: Common schizophrenia variants functioning in developmental human cortical interneurons
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11078258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes linked to schizophrenia affect the growth of important brain cells, which could help us understand more about the condition and its genetic risks for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,295 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131610-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may have a family history of schizophrenia or related neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific genetic variants associated with schizophrenia affect the development of certain brain cells known as cortical interneurons. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR and 3D chromatin interaction analysis, the study aims to uncover how these genetic factors influence gene expression during critical developmental stages. The research will analyze human fetal brain cells to determine the timing and impact of these genetic variants, which could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of the genetic risks associated with this disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for early diagnosis and targeted interventions for schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic influences on neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Sangmi — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chung, Sangmi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Digital support for shared-care of schizophrenia in primary care in India
A patient-friendly plan to bring evidence-based schizophrenia care to primary care in India using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
Digital support to scale Schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A nationwide effort to help primary care teams in India deliver better, more accessible schizophrenia care using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
This project explores how being socially isolated may speed up health problems as people with schizophrenia age.
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.