Protein connections at brain synapses in schizophrenia
Pathophysiologic roles of protein-protein interactions at excitatory synapses and their modifications in schizophrenia
['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11238968
This work looks at whether changes in how certain proteins stick together at brain synapses cause NMDA receptor problems that may underlie schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would learn how proteins at excitatory synapses interact and how those interactions differ in people with schizophrenia. The team will study brain tissue from people with and without schizophrenia and use laboratory models to test the effects of specific genetic changes (for example in GRIN1 and GRIN2A) and altered signaling proteins like Src and EphB2. They will measure protein associations, receptor phosphorylation, and receptor movement to link those molecular changes to reduced NMDA receptor function. The aim is to identify the key molecular steps that drive synaptic problems in schizophrenia and could point to new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with schizophrenia, especially those with known genetic variants affecting NMDA receptor genes or related signaling proteins, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without schizophrenia or whose symptoms are unrelated to NMDA receptor dysfunction should not expect direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to restore NMDA receptor function and guide development of therapies or biomarkers for schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked NMDA receptor hypofunction to schizophrenia and early lab data support altered protein interactions, but using protein-protein interaction mapping as an organizing principle is a relatively new, mechanistic approach.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAHN, CHANG-GYU — THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HAHN, CHANG-GYU
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 below.