Voltage Gated Calcium Channels And Vitamin D: Exploring The Convergent Links Between Risk Factors For Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,288.00
Summary
Occasionally, the evidence from different scientific approaches aligns and new clues are revealed. This application outlines evidence from (a) risk factor epidemiology (linking low neonatal vitamin D and risk of schizophrenia, (b) clues from genetics that implicate neuronal electrical channels, and (c) and new discoveries that show that vitamin D activates these same neuronal channels. This study will use animal experiments to explore these clues in an integrated research program.
Modifiable Risk Factors For Serious Mental Illness - An Integrated Program Of Epidemiology, Genetics And Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,750,000.00
Summary
John McGrath has discovered that vitamin D during brain development is associated with psychosis. Just as the use of folate decreased the incidence of spina bifida, vitamin D supplementation could decrease the incidence of psychosis. Using international samples, McGrath will search for modifiable risk factors for mental illness related to nutrition, infection and stress. He will use the latest methods from genetics to explore modifiable risk factors and undertake clinical trials.