Studying brain signals and genes in people with schizophrenia
Compares brain scans, EEG and genetic tests in adults with schizophrenia, relatives and healthy people.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Translational Investigation of the Glutamatergic and GABAergic System in Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Aachen and Gangelt, GermanySee the 3 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT04655235, who can take part
Where in Germany
- Alexianer HospitalAachen, GermanyTaking people
- University Hospital Rwth AachenAachen, GermanyTaking people
- ViaNobis - Die FachklinikGangelt, GermanyTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- RWTH Aachen University
- Trial code
- NCT04655235
- Record updated
- 14 March 2025
- Original description
In the last years, the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity has come to the fore as a possible molecular disease mechanism of schizophrenia . Pharmacological studies have suggested different fMRI and EEG markers of that molecular dysfunction (resting state connectivity changes, auditory mismatch and steady state deficits). However, previous research is inconclusive regarding their genetic basis, their reliability, inter-individual relationship as well as disease specificity. Therefore, in this study we aim at estimating the effect sizes, test-retest-reliability and clinical correlates of the respective markers in a comparative fashion in patients with schizophrenia, their relatives and healthy control subject. To assess their molecular validity, we will assess their relationship with glutamatergic and GABAergic genotypes and cellular disease models. The proof of such a relation would give the opportunity of detecting a glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance throughout non-invasive imaging. Furthermore, it would help deepening our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of mental disorders which will be essential for the development of more effective drugs.Read full original descriptionShow less
Translational Investigation of the Glutamatergic and GABAergic System in Schizophrenia - a Combined EEG-, FMRI-, Genetic, Serological and Cell Biological Study
In the last years, the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity has come to the fore as a possible molecular disease mechanism of schizophrenia . Pharmacological studies have suggested different fMRI and EEG markers of that molecular dysfunction (resting state connectivity changes, auditory mismatch and steady state deficits). However, previous research is inconclusive regarding their genetic basis, their reliability, inter-individual relationship as well as disease specificity. Therefore, in this study we aim at estimating the effect sizes, test-retest-reliability and clinical correlates of the respective markers in a comparative fashion in patients with schizophrenia, their relatives and healthy control subject. To assess their molecular validity, we will assess their relationship with glutamatergic and GABAergic genotypes and cellular disease models. The proof of such a relation would give the opportunity of detecting a glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance throughout non-invasive imaging. Furthermore, it would help deepening our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of mental disorders which will be essential for the development of more effective drugs.
Inclusion: diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5; aged 18 to 80; being mentally and contractually capable to give their consent to study participation; aged 18 to 80; being mentally and contractually capable to give their consent to study participation.
Exclusion: structural neurological disease; a further psychiatric comorbidity that dominates in the clinical appearance; HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS; structural neurological disease; psychiatric disorder; for healthy controls: psychiatric disorders in the family history of first-degree relatives; pregnancy; pregnancy.
PATIENTS.