Understanding glutamate synapse problems in schizophrenia
Basis of Glutamatergic Synaptic Dysfunction in Schizophrenia
Using very high-resolution 3D electron imaging of donated human brains, researchers aim to learn how tiny glutamate synapses are changed in people with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses postmortem brain tissue donated to the University of Pittsburgh and images individual glutamate synapses in three dimensions at nanometer resolution. The team applies focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to examine both pre- and postsynaptic structures in cortical layer 3 neurons. They will compare synaptic ultrastructure from people with schizophrenia to controls and quantify features linked to neurotransmission. Results could point to the exact synaptic changes that underlie cortical glutamate signaling problems in schizophrenia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (or their families) who are willing to enroll in a brain donation program for postmortem research.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate changes to their clinical care or those who are not able or willing to participate in brain donation will not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could pinpoint precise synaptic targets that guide development of new treatments or biomarkers for schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic, imaging, and postmortem studies suggest glutamate synapse changes in schizophrenia, but large-scale 3D ultrastructural imaging of human synapses is a newer and more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glausier, Jill Renee' — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Glausier, Jill Renee'
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.