Investigating how a genetic variant affects brain function in schizophrenia
Official title: Synaptic dysglycosylation caused by the schizophrenia-risk variant in SLC39A8
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11214630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect brain function in people with schizophrenia, using mice to see if adding manganese can help fix any problems caused by this gene.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 31, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,538 |
| NIH project number | 7K08MH128712-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11214630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or those who carry the SLC39A8 genetic variant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia or those not carrying the SLC39A8 variant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to schizophrenia, particularly a specific variant in the SLC39A8 gene. By using a mouse model, the study will explore how this genetic variant alters the glycosylation process, which is crucial for the proper functioning of proteins in the brain. The researchers will examine changes in the localization and function of synaptic proteins and test whether supplementing with manganese can reverse these changes. This approach aims to uncover new insights into the biological mechanisms that increase the risk of schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia by targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar genetic investigations have shown promise in understanding schizophrenia and other mental health disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mealer, Robert G — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Mealer, Robert G
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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.