Investigating the genetic factors of severe mental illnesses across diverse populations
Official title: 3/3 Sequencing and Trans-Diagnostic Phenotyping of Severe Mental Illness in Diverse Populations
Funded at Cardiff University · NIH-10695083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genes of people with serious mental health issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, along with healthy individuals, to find out how our DNA might play a role in these conditions, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the genetic factors behind these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cardiff University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cardiff, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $531,177 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130672-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10695083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I disorder, or severe major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild or non-severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the genetic underpinnings of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression by analyzing DNA samples from over 150,000 individuals with these conditions and a similar number of healthy controls. The study will utilize advanced genomic techniques, including whole-exome sequencing and SNP-array genotyping, to identify genetic variations that may contribute to these disorders. By collaborating with the Regeneron Genomics Center, the research will ensure high-quality genomic assays and comprehensive data analysis. The project will be conducted across multiple sites, including locations in the Americas, East Asia, Europe, Africa, and South Asia, to capture a diverse genetic landscape.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in psychiatric genomics has shown promising results in identifying genetic factors associated with mental illnesses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cardiff University
Cardiff, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walters, James Tynan Rhys — Cardiff University
- Study coordinator: Walters, James Tynan Rhys
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.