Investigating the effects of NMDA receptor loss on brain function in schizophrenia
Official title: Functional, structural, and computational consequences of NMDA receptor ablation at medial prefrontal cortex synapses
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10909011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in certain brain receptors might affect thinking and memory in people with schizophrenia, hoping to find out why current treatments don’t always help with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,594 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133285-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience cognitive impairments, particularly in working memory.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not exhibit cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the loss of NMDA receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex affects brain function and cognitive abilities in individuals with schizophrenia. By examining the structural and functional changes at synapses, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to cognitive deficits, particularly working memory issues. The approach includes advanced techniques like electrophysiology to measure synaptic strength and computational models to analyze neural network activity. This research could provide insights into why current treatments often fail to address cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, enhancing patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of NMDA receptors in cognitive function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dick, Rachel — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Dick, Rachel
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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.