Investigating the link between smell deficits and negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Official title: Project 1
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11072020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with smell might be linked to difficulties in social interactions and negative feelings in people with schizophrenia, using mice to understand what’s happening in the brain and how it could help improve treatment for those affected.
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) | $587,030 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH136297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, particularly those experiencing negative symptoms and olfactory deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not exhibit olfactory deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how smell deficits are connected to negative symptoms and social cognitive impairments in individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb, examining how inflammation and other changes in these areas may lead to dysfunction in smell and related brain regions. By using a mouse model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and their impact on behavior and cognition, which could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating negative symptoms in schizophrenia, potentially improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between olfactory deficits and cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lane, Andrew P — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lane, Andrew P
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.