Understanding how age affects brain function related to psychosis
Official title: Deciphering Dentate Gyrus Malfunction in Age-Dependent Hippocampal Hyperactivity: Implications for Psychogenesis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11057380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the dentate gyrus affects the development of psychosis, especially in young adults, to better understand how age changes might influence mental health and help find new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136525-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057380 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include young adults and adolescents who may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis or have a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established psychotic disorders who are not within the age range of late adolescence to early adulthood may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the dentate gyrus, a part of the hippocampus, in the development of psychosis, particularly focusing on how age influences its function. By examining changes in brain cells associated with memory and behavior, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind psychosis, especially in young adults. The researchers will use advanced techniques to manipulate specific neurons in the dentate gyrus, potentially leading to new insights into how age-related changes contribute to mental health disorders. This work could help identify targets for future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals experiencing psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain function related to psychosis, but this specific approach using chemogenetic techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamamoto, Jun — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yamamoto, Jun
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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.