Current Projects
22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS, or Velocardiofacial Syndrome) is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 4000 people. It is a disorder that frequently causes craniofacial anomalies and heart defects. It can also cause developmental delays. Many people with 22q11DS have a greater chance of having attention deficits, learning disabilities, and particular psychiatric conditions. While there is no known cure for 22q11DS, a lot of exciting research is happening in this area. Far less is known about 22q11.2 Duplication Syndrome. We are currently recruiting for a research study to expand our knowledge of the effects of 22q11.2 deletions and duplications on brain and behavior. Please get in touch with us for more information.
16p11.2 Deletion or Duplication Syndrome: The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of deletions and duplications in chromosome 16 and study factors that influence the clinical features seen in patients with a deletion or duplication in chromosome 16. Participants must be at least 7 years old.
Another active research project, conducted in collaboration with Drs. Nelson Freimer and Carlos Lopez-Jaramillo at the Universidad de Antioquia focus on the genetics of serious mental illness in the Paisa population in Colombia
The Psychosis Risk Outcomes Network (ProNET) is a research study that aims to better understand the causes and course of the earliest stages of psychosis, focusing on the clinical high risk syndrome that sometimes progresses to first episode psychosis. For most, clinical high-risk symptoms, which are milder forms of symptoms of psychosis may stay the same, decrease or go away entirely over the course of a few months or a few years. For others, these symptoms may become more severe over time and develop into psychosis. The onset of psychosis disproportionately impacts young people, with the National Institute of Health (NIH) estimating that 100,000 young people experience a first episode of psychosis each year in the U.S.
ProNET is funded by the NIH and the Foundation for the NIH (FNIH) as an Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP), a program that brings together NIH, private foundations and industry sponsors to accelerate the development of new medications through large-scale research initiatives. ProNET builds upon the knowledge learned in previous studies demonstrating that early identification and treatment of psychosis produces better health outcomes, including reduced suicidal risk and symptom severity, improved long-term quality of life and lower economic burden.
By studying a variety of biomarkers (brain scans and blood tests, for example), we aim to improve our ability to predict the health outcomes of individuals at clinical high risk, including which individuals are most likely to develop psychosis and which individuals are most likely to improve. The study, and the insights derived from it, will provide a platform for developing new treatments that aim to transform long-term outcomes for those at greatest risk for transitioning to psychosis — possibly altering the course of the illness or even preventing it altogether.
Study of 22q11.2 Deletions and Duplications
We are also recruiting people with 22q11.2 Deletions and Duplications for a research study. This current research study aims to examine emotional adjustment, thought processes such as memory and attention, and brain structure and activity in specific genes affected by 22qDS’ to ‘genes affected by 22q11.2 variants. The study also aims to determine whether variation in the specific genes affected by 22qDS is related to differences in brain structure, function and behavior.
Study of 16p11.2 Deletions and Duplications
We are also recruiting people with 16p11.2 deletions and duplications for a research study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of deletions and duplications in chromosome 16 and study factors that influence the clinical features seen in patients with a deletion or duplication in chromosome 16. Participants must be at least 7 years old. A confidential phone screen will be conducted to determine your initial eligibility (Individuals under 18 must have their parents call.)
ProNET: Psychosis-Risk Outcomes Network
Although the clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) criteria offer an important public health target and opportunity to prevent psychotic disorders, substantial heterogeneity exists in CHR both at ascertainment and in outcome that limits treatment development. Our 26 international sites will recruit 1040 CHR and follow them with clinical and biomarker assessments over two years, along with 260 healthy controls assessed at baseline. In partnership with the Data Processing, Analysis, and Coordinating Center, we will contribute to analyses to dissect the heterogeneity of CHR and develop tools for outcome definition and patient stratification.
Volunteer as a Healthy Control in Our Research Studies
Join our lab studies as a healthy control and help advance mental health research. Your participation will make a big difference in understanding the brain.