Neuroscience Research

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Neuroscience Research

• Principal Investigators
• John G. Csernansky, M.D.
• Deanna M. Barch, Ph.D.
• Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health

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What is a Conte Center?

• Named for Silvio O. Conte
• Multidisciplinary
• Lab to Bedside
• Hypothesis Driven

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Overarching Hypothesis
Interactions between specific genes and
environmental triggers alter the development of
specific parts of the brain, and the disturbed
function of these parts underlie the symptoms of
schizophrenia.
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Conte Center for Neuroscience of Mental Disorders
A collaborative effort involving three national
universities
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Brain Structure

PROJECTS
Brain Function
Genetics






Neurodevelopment
Neurocircuits
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Overview of Projects 1 and 2

• Collect high resolution MRI scans, then measure
  selected brain structure characteristics
• Collect clinical and cognitive data
• Compare all data between
• People with schizophrenia
• Siblings of people with schizophrenia
• Controls (healthy individuals)
• Siblings of controls

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Uses the power of a large magnet to obtain images
  of the brain
• Does not use radiation

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Potential Societal Impact

• Improve understanding of the genetic and
  environmental causes of schizophrenia
• Identify biological events associated with the
  onset of this illness
• Facilitate early intervention and treatment,
  allowing for better outcomes

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Inclusion Criteria Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of Schizophrenia/
• or no diagnosis
• 9-30 years old
• Biological full siblings willing to participate
• Stable symptoms

• Mental Retardation
• Head injury with loss of consciousness
• Confounding medical problems
• Substance abuse/dependence (past 3 months)

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Participation

• Approximately 12 hours of your time
• Clinical interview
• Questionnaires
• Doctor visit
• Learning and memory tests
• MRI scan
• Blood draw
• Compensation for time and travel

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Contact Information

• Conte Center Office
• [phone]
• Washington University
• School of Medicine
• Campus Box 8134
• 660 S. Euclid Ave.
• St. Louis, MO 63110
• www.conte.wustl.edu