# Combined brain and gene network approaches to the developmental hypothesis of schizophrenia

> **NIH NIH K08** · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · 2020 · $193,644

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
As a computational psychiatry faculty candidate with a strong background in neuroimaging and quantitative
data analysis, I seek mentored-support to incorporate genetic and transcriptomic data into my work during my
path towards independence as an investigator. I propose a project at the intersection of human neuroimaging,
genomics and transcriptomics, using computational tools from network theory to investigate risk for
schizophrenia and other forms of chronic psychosis.
 Prior work suggests that synaptic over-pruning in adolescence disrupts functional and structural
connectivity within brain networks, giving rise to symptoms and functional impairments associated with
schizophrenia. This process is a product of the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in development,
and it is reflected in alterations observed in structural and functional neuroimaging. Network-based analytic
approaches allow one to extract deeper insights into the nature of the disturbances in network function, in
contrast to simpler attempts to link complex diseases to single brain regions, genes or proteins. The project
uses an imaging-genomics approach to test whether networks of genes that are implicated in schizophrenia
risk by genome-wide studies of common genetic variants – and have been shown in many cases to be related
to synaptic integrity – affect the development of cortical thickness and the functional connections within and
between brain networks in typical adolescence. The project also proposes to directly test whether these
genetic factors jointly influence these imaging phenotypes and psychosis risk in clinical samples.
 To meet the research goals of the project, I require formal training in genomics and transcriptomics
approaches (and especially their intersection with neuroimaging research). The primary mentorship team (Drs
Pearlson and Glahn) has specific expertise in imaging-genomics in clinical datasets, as well as extensive
experience as successful research mentors. Other key contributors and consultants provide expertise in
imaging-transcriptomics (Dr Holmes), developmental neuroimaging (Dr Satterthwaite), data and network
science (Dr Bassett), developmental transcriptomics (Dr Geschwind) and statistical genetics (Dr Blangero).
This proposal will provide me with the direct training in research methodology and career support that is
required for me to become a fully independent investigator, using tools from neuroimaging, genomics and
transcriptomics to investigate psychosis pathogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9955366
- **Project number:** 5K08MH120564-03
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Aaron Felix Alexander-Bloch
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $193,644
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9955366

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9955366, Combined brain and gene network approaches to the developmental hypothesis of schizophrenia (5K08MH120564-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9955366. Licensed CC0.

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