Understanding Schizophrenia and Brain Development
Project-004
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11138563
This research aims to understand how brain changes during adolescence and early adulthood contribute to schizophrenia, focusing on immune system factors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11138563 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Schizophrenia's causes are not fully understood, which makes it hard to develop new treatments. This center builds on discoveries linking schizophrenia risk to immune system processes that affect how brain connections are "pruned" or refined. Researchers are looking at specific genes, like C4, and how their activity in the brain might lead to too much pruning and social difficulties. They are also exploring how other immune molecules and the unique brain development during adolescence might make some individuals more vulnerable to schizophrenia. The goal is to create a more complete picture of how this complex condition develops.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to individuals with schizophrenia, especially those with an onset in late adolescence or early adulthood, and their families.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation may not find direct benefit from this basic science research at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat schizophrenia by targeting specific immune pathways and understanding critical periods of brain development.
How similar studies have performed: This center builds upon prior discoveries by the research team regarding genetic risk variants and neuroimmune mechanisms in schizophrenia, suggesting a foundation of previous success.
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.