Synaptic Density and How It Shapes Sensory Processing in Schizophrenia for Veterans
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Synaptic Density in Sensory Processing and Functional Outcomes Among Veterans with Schizophrenia
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11299435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how the number of synapses in the brain relates to sensory processing and everyday functioning in veterans with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD001105-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia who can undergo PET imaging and EEG assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without schizophrenia or those unable to complete PET/EEG procedures may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a combination of SV2A PET imaging to measure synaptic density and EEG to capture brain responses during sensory tasks. They will connect these brain signals to clinical symptoms, cognitive performance, and daily functioning to understand how synaptic changes drive difficulties. The study leverages veterans’ data and advanced brain-imaging tools to map relationships across biology, cognition, and behavior. Findings could point toward targeted therapies that improve real-world outcomes for veterans living with schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide development of synapse-focused treatments that improve thinking, perception, and everyday skills for veterans with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research using SV2A PET and EEG has begun linking synaptic density to brain function in psychiatric conditions, with promising early signals.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yvonne S — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yvonne S
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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.