Investigating smell deficits in schizophrenia and their connection to symptoms.
Official title: Project 3
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11072031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with smell might be connected to certain challenges people with schizophrenia face, like feeling less pleasure or having trouble thinking, and it includes both patients and their family members to see if these smell issues run in families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $948,276 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH136297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or are first-degree relatives of such patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or a family history of the disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how smell deficits are linked to specific symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, particularly negative symptoms like anhedonia and cognitive deficits. By examining the olfactory epithelium, which is affected by environmental factors such as air pollution, the study aims to uncover the underlying biological changes that contribute to these symptoms. The research will involve both patients with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives to explore the hereditary aspects of smell deficits. The methodology includes psychophysical measures and molecular analysis of the olfactory system to identify potential biomarkers for the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological mechanisms of schizophrenia, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between olfactory deficits and schizophrenia, indicating that this approach has potential for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sawa, Akira — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sawa, Akira
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.