Understanding how specific brain receptors affect memory and behavior in schizophrenia
Official title: Distinct NMDA receptor signaling domains regulate hippocampal network dynamics
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-10988852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors affect memory and thinking in young people with schizophrenia, hoping to find new ways to help them understand and manage their condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,547 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH135232-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12-20 who are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or related cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12-20 or those not diagnosed with schizophrenia may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of distinct NMDA receptor signaling domains in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions. By examining how these receptors influence brain network dynamics, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia, particularly in adolescents and young adults. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze brain activity and its relationship with cognitive processes, potentially leading to new insights into treatment strategies for schizophrenia. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and the development of targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia, enhancing cognitive function and quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding NMDA receptor functions in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumas, Theodore C — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Dumas, Theodore C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Implementation and Translation Model to spread evidence-based practices
A program at George Mason University aims to help public health and criminal legal system agencies adopt and scale proven strategies to prevent overdoses.
-
Phylogenetic modeling of viral spread at the human-wildlife boundary in Uganda
Researchers will use family tree methods to understand how viruses move between wildlife and people in Uganda to help anticipate and prevent outbreaks.
-
JCOIN 2.0 Coordination and Translation Center for Criminal Justice and Health
A national effort to speed up use of proven practices to reduce overdose risk among people involved with the criminal legal system.
-
Understanding memory changes with aging in mouse brains and how they relate to Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers plan to build a detailed computer model of memory-related brain circuits in aging mice to understand why memory declines with age and how this relates to Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Understanding neuron shapes and connections to help memory-related brain disorders
This grant builds and shares detailed 3D images of neurons to better understand how brain circuits work in Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Wearable ultrasound patch to monitor heart health after pediatric heart surgery
A small, disposable ultrasound patch worn on babies and young children after heart surgery will measure heart function and blood pressure in real time, aiming to catch problems early.
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.