Investigating how pH regulation in brain cells relates to schizophrenia
Organellar Na+/H+ Exchangers and Intracellular pH Regulation in Schizophrenia Brain
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain might affect the balance of acidity and alkalinity in people with schizophrenia, using brain tissue and special cells from patients to learn more about how these changes could impact brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10997324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of organellar Na+/H+ exchangers in regulating intracellular pH within the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. By examining postmortem brain tissue and generating patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, the study aims to uncover how pH disruptions may affect protein modifications and cellular functions in schizophrenia. The research employs advanced molecular techniques and fluorescently-tagged proteins to measure cellular changes, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of this mental health condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to schizophrenia or those without a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing schizophrenia by targeting pH regulation in brain cells.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting organellar pH regulation in schizophrenia is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding metabolic alterations in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pruett, Brandon Scott — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Pruett, Brandon Scott
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 below.