NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how a specific chloride transporter affects brain function in models of psychiatric disorders

Official title: NKCC1-KCC2 system modulation in rodent models relevant for psychiatric disorders

Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11114186 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific brain system affects thinking and social behavior in models of schizophrenia, and it tests whether a medication called bumetanide can help improve brain function and cognitive skills in people with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startJuly 20, 2024
Project endJuly 19, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$647,833
NIH project number1R56MH135860-01
Project IDNIH-11114186 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with psychiatric disorders not related to cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of the NKCC1-KCC2 system in the brain, particularly how it influences cognitive function and social behavior in models of schizophrenia. By using rodent models treated with phencyclidine, which simulates cognitive impairment, the study examines how the balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain is disrupted. The researchers aim to determine if a drug called bumetanide can restore normal brain function and improve cognitive performance. This approach could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches to restore cognitive function in animal models of psychiatric disorders.

Where this research is happening

  • Northwestern University at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Martina, Marco — Northwestern University at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Martina, Marco

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.