Understanding brain circuit dysfunction in a genetic syndrome linked to schizophrenia.
Official title: Cooperative dysfunction of thalamocortical and cerebellar inputs to the auditory cortex in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome model of schizophrenia.
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11050753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain areas related to hearing are affected in people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, which can increase the risk of schizophrenia, and it aims to understand why some people hear things that aren't there, with hopes of finding better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $731,035 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136215-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome or those not experiencing auditory hallucinations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits, particularly those involving the auditory cortex, are affected in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a condition that significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind auditory hallucinations, a common symptom of schizophrenia. They will explore how certain brain structures, like the auditory thalamus and paraflocculus, contribute to these auditory processing issues and how antipsychotic medications may help restore normal function. This work could lead to a better understanding of the neural basis of schizophrenia and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for auditory hallucinations in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and potentially other forms of schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing and the effects of antipsychotics in related conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zakharenko, Stanislav S — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zakharenko, Stanislav 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.