Investigating the role of glutamate synapses in schizophrenia
Official title: Basis of Glutamatergic Synaptic Dysfunction in Schizophrenia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10993184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with brain connections involving a chemical called glutamate might play a role in schizophrenia, using advanced imaging to examine brain tissue from people who have passed away, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $455,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who may experience cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who do not exhibit cognitive dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how glutamatergic synaptic dysfunction contributes to schizophrenia. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will analyze individual glutamate synapses in postmortem brain tissue to uncover the structural and functional impairments associated with the disorder. The study aims to provide detailed insights into the molecular and physiological changes that occur at these synapses, which are crucial for neural communication. This approach could lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic dysfunction in other neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for schizophrenia as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glausier, Jill Renee' — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Glausier, Jill Renee'
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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.