(May) Stem Cell Research in Early-Onset Psychosis

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Stem cell research in early-onset psychosis

• IRAS ID

  104383

• Contact name

  Anthony C. James

• Contact email

  tony.james@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk; anthony.james@psych.ox.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Oxford

• Research summary

  The aim of the study is to examine the causes of adolescent-onset schizophrenia (AOS), a devastating illness with considerable morbidity and mortality. As yet we do not understand the biological mechanisms that underlie this illness. We will examine stems cells obtained from two sources: 1) the lining of the nose or nasal mucosa; and 2) skin of patients with AOS and age and sex matched controls. Stem cells are multi-potential early cells. Cells from the nose, which contains early developing nerve cells, directly linked to brain, can be grown and developed directly into nerve cells, while peripheral cells have to be re-programmed. We will for the first time 1) compare both nasal and peripherally derived stem cells (iPS) to allow us to determine differences in genetic expression or epigenetic effects; and 2) We will also examine genetic information derived from both stem cell cultures and blood from participants and their parents to look at de novo mutations (DNMs), which in the regions coding for proteins are thought to be of causal in schizophrenia. The hypothesis is that compared to controls there are abnormalities in cell maturation and cell division in patients with AOS, alongside changes in expression of genetic material and cell chemistry. There have been no such studies in AOS, a neurodevelopmental disorder; studies in adult schizophrenia show altered cell division.
  The study involves 20 patients with AOS and 20 otherwise healthy adolescents who are undergoing a minor (non nasal) ENT procedure and both sets of parents, where available. The nasal biopsy is a safe procedure, which can be done under local anaesthetic in the ENT outpatient clinic. Skin biopsies are taken from the inner upper arm. Blood will be taken from all participants and their parents to determine spontaneous or de novo genetic changes (DNM) occurring in the offspring.

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/SC/0200

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 Nov 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion