Understanding how a gene called C4A contributes to schizophrenia
Contributions of human C4A overexpression to schizophrenia pathogenesis.
This research explores how a specific gene, C4A, and the immune system might play a role in the development of schizophrenia, especially in young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138559 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into the causes of schizophrenia to find new ways to help patients. Our team discovered that certain genetic risks for schizophrenia involve how the immune system prunes connections in the brain. We found that higher levels of a gene called C4A in the brain are linked to these risks, and in animal models, too much C4A leads to excess pruning and social difficulties. This work also considers why schizophrenia often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, and how early life stress might contribute. We aim to understand these processes better to develop new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this time, but future studies stemming from this work may seek individuals with schizophrenia or those at risk, particularly adolescents and young adults.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the biological mechanisms of schizophrenia or those seeking immediate treatment options may not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to innovative treatments for schizophrenia by targeting specific immune and genetic pathways.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon prior discoveries linking C4 genes to schizophrenia risk and synaptic pruning, representing a novel and promising direction in understanding the disease.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Beth Ann — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Beth Ann
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.