Modeling patient mutations in iPSC-derived neurons to reveal cellular mechanisms of schizophrenia

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):

Schizophrenia is a common and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by genetic heterogeneity. In this project, genes that are disrupted by rare, damaging mutations in individuals with schizophrenia will be evaluated using CRISPRi in iPSCs. Cell lines will be evaluated for phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia. A patient-derived iPSC line will be created that harbors a mutation in one of these genes. This will allow for characterization of the neurobiological consequences of the specific patient mutation in its native genetic background. Families with schizophrenia will be recruited for participation in genetics research to curate a list of genes for future inquiry and collect clinical data that can be used to generate hypotheses about genotype-phenotype connections. 

Project Period:
September 15, 2021 — August 31, 2026

Funding Type(s):
Federal

Funder(s):
NIMH

Research Program(s):

Geographic Area(s):
University of Washington

Patient Population(s):
Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
Psychosis