Induction of microglia-like cells from human monocytes as a tool to study schizophrenia disorder

PI

• Prof. Alon Shamir, MD, Head, Psychobiology Research Lab - Mazor Mental Health Medical Center
• and Muhammad Zoabi, MD

‍DESCRIPTION

This study aims to explore the morphological, molecular, and functional differences between microglia-like cells and neurons derived from schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals. It also seeks to evaluate the impact of antipsychotic treatment on the secretion of pro-inflammatory markers and neuronal activation in these cells.

‍

PARTICIPANTS

The study involves 120 individuals with schizophrenia and 60 healthy control subjects. The 120 individuals with schizophrenia are divided into two groups: those who are experiencing their first episode of schizophrenia or their first hospitalization for acute schizophrenia, and those who are in the non-acute phase of schizophrenia and are receiving antipsychotic treatment.