Mapping gene expression in the human brain related to neuropsychiatric disorders
Official title: Laminar dissection of cortical human brain gene expression in neuropsychiatric disorders
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11066519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how genes work in different parts of the brain in people with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and autism, using brain tissue samples to find patterns that might help us understand these disorders better.
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 | June 23, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $677,158 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126393-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, or autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders not included in the study, or those who are not willing to provide postmortem brain tissue, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gene expression varies across different layers of the human brain's prefrontal cortex in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and autism spectrum disorder. By analyzing postmortem brain tissue, the study aims to identify specific gene expression patterns associated with these conditions compared to neurotypical individuals. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics to create detailed maps of gene activity, which could help in understanding the biological underpinnings of these disorders from a cellular perspective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of mapping gene expression in the brain is established, this specific application to neuropsychiatric disorders using spatial transcriptomics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinowich, Keri — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Martinowich, Keri
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.