Investigating synaptic changes in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia
Official title: Synaptic protein composition and localization in individuals with schizophrenia
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11030325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at brain samples from people with schizophrenia and those without to see if there are differences in the connections between brain cells that might help explain some of the thinking challenges faced by those with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,996 |
| NIH project number | 5K08MH132042-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, particularly those who may be experiencing cognitive difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who are not experiencing cognitive symptoms or those with other comorbid neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the abnormalities in synapses in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. Using a novel imaging technique called Array Tomography, the study will analyze postmortem brain samples from both individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls. The goal is to compare the density of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in a specific brain region, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, to see if there are significant differences that could explain cognitive disruptions in schizophrenia. By correlating these findings with genetic data, the research aims to uncover potential biological markers for the condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic interventions that target synaptic abnormalities in schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic abnormalities in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalinowski, Agnieszka — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kalinowski, Agnieszka
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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.