Investigating the genetic and cellular mechanisms of schizophrenia using patient-derived neurons and organoids.
Official title: Understanding Schizophrenia Risk Mechanisms Via Multimodal Analysis of Patient-derived Neurons and 3D Cortical Organoids and Correlation with Clinical and Cognitive Phenotypes
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11162437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and brain cells work together in people with schizophrenia by creating special brain models from their own cells, to help us understand how these factors affect their symptoms and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $878,597 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134828-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or those with a family history of the disorder, particularly those aged 21 and older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related family history may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying schizophrenia by utilizing patient-derived neurons and 3D cortical organoids. The study employs induced pluripotent stem cell technology to create models that reflect the genetic risk factors associated with schizophrenia. By correlating these models with clinical and cognitive data from patients, the research aims to uncover how genetic variations influence the symptoms and cognitive deficits experienced by individuals with schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatments for schizophrenia, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells to model psychiatric disorders has shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both innovative and supported by prior successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maher, Brady J — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Maher, Brady J
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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.