Understanding brain connectivity and genetic factors in neuropsychiatric disorders
Official title: Mapping functional brain connectivity, neurodevelopment, and imaging-genetic associations in individuals with genetic and clinical risk factors for neuropsychiatric illness
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10898593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and the environment influence brain development in people with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, especially those at risk for mental health issues, by using special brain scans to see how their brains connect compared to those of people without this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and those at clinical high risk for developing psychosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic or clinical risk factors for neuropsychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic and environmental factors affect brain development and function in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly focusing on those with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. By using advanced imaging techniques like resting-state fMRI, the study aims to map brain connectivity patterns in individuals at risk for psychosis and compare them to typically developing individuals. The research will analyze a large dataset from multiple sites to identify biological pathways that contribute to conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders through genetic studies, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schleifer, Charles — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Schleifer, Charles
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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.