Headlines SHINING a LIGHT on SCHIZOPHRENIA

headlines SHINING A LIGHT ON SCHIZOPHRENIA July 2011 Minds In Transition- Growing up is not always easy Institute scientist, Professor Ulrich Schall from the University of Newcastle is leading the five-year Minds in Transition (MinT) study, a project that investigates why young Prof. Ulli Schall people transition from an ‘at-risk mental state’ to a first episode of psychosis. During the years of adolescence “An at-risk mental state is not a clinical strategies for preventive measures and early adulthood, young people are diagnosis, it refers to a combination and early intervention,” he said. particularly vulnerable to experiencing of factors such as family history of some of the early warning signs of mental illness and a negative change in Volunteers will undergo a variety schizophrenia and other mental illnesses well-being and everyday functioning,” of assessments, including MRI scans of - and it may be that during this time the Professor Schall said. the brain, providing a blood sample and onset of psychoses first occurs. EEG recordings, as well as a number of “While most study participants will not other clinical and psychological tests. MinT will investigate the early signs of the necessarily develop schizophrenia, it is later emerging illness, such as experiencing anticipated that up to 30% will develop The project is being conducted in difficulties at school for the first time, some type of psychotic illness with Newcastle, Orange and Sydney, and is withdrawing from social or fun activities, about 10-15% going on to develop recruiting young people aged 12 to 25 lacking energy or motivation, and having schizophrenia.” strange thoughts and ideas. These early years from clinical centres and through signs will be examined as to how they “A primary aim of the study is to compare the recently launched website – develop over time, and what factors may those who do develop a psychotic www.mint.org.au. promote or prevent a transition from illness with the majority who do not. ‘at-risk mental state’ to schizophrenia. This information is crucial for developing PRINCIPAL SUPPORTER ‘Spark of Genius’ is the signature gala Wines, Schweizer Kobras, schizophrenia. She is one of a handful black tie event for the Schizophrenia Northside Group and Etihad. of developmental neurobiologists in the Research Institute. The event has been world who specialise in schizophrenia highly successful in the past because of The Cause research. Her team of researchers have the unique formula of having one mystery In 2011 we are dedicating the Spark had many successes, most notably the Genius guest at each table. The Genii are of Genius event to the Schizophrenia commencement of the first clinical drug leaders in their fields ranging from the Arts, Research Laboratory*, headed by trial for the Schizophrenia Research Institute. Using an existing hormone Media, Sports, Politics, Entertainment, Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, modulator, the trial aims to improve Corporate and Academia. the Macquarie Group Foundation cognitive and memory function for Chair of Schizophrenia Research. The event will be held at Sydney Town people with schizophrenia, opening Hall on Friday 9th September 2011 and Prof. Shannon Weickert (of ABC a possibility of further education and will bring together 500 corporate and Australian Story fame) is driven by extended employment. philanthropic guests for a night of fun, her own experience of growing up entertainment and fundraising. Book your table online now at: with a twin brother who developed www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au Our principal supporter is Macquarie *The Schizophrenia Research Laboratory is a joint initiative of the Schizophrenia Research Group Foundation and our major Institute, University of NSW, Neuroscience Research Australia, and the Macquarie Group sponsors include City of Sydney, Mulyan Foundation. It is supported by NSW Health. 1 Schizophrenia Research Institute | HeadLines CEO’s Report As a research institute we have an We also continue to grow our obligation not only to those affected international networks, with the by the illness we are investigating Australian Schizophrenia Research but also to nurture the professional Bank now open to international development of our colleagues within researchers. This is the final phase the scientific community. of the rollout providing access to the Bank, making it an internationally By making better scientists, unique enabling facility that provides encouraging robust research the foundation for researchers to make programs and fostering collaboration, significant contributions to future Prof. Vaughan Carr, Chief Executive Officer we are developing a committed and discoveries about schizophrenia. able research community to better at the Schizophrenia Research approach our goal. The Institute’s gala dinner, Spark of Genius, is drawing near and we thank Laboratory. The Institute recently held a number all of our supporters and each of the Cyndi’s expertise in schizophrenia of seminars bringing together our guest genii who are helping us to make research is well recognised, as is scientists and those within our networks this a successful night. This event will evidenced by her recent appointed to showcase and discuss their current raise money for the Macquarie Group to the Scientific Advisory Board of work, and seek collaboration around Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia the international online Schizophrenia where we, as a scientific community, Research, Professor Cyndi Shannon Research Forum. I congratulate her on are headed next. Weickert, and her continuing work this opportunity. Meet our Researcher I study the inhibitory neurons (which Q. Why schizophrenia research? are key to how these circuits develop), A. I have always been particularly to give us clues as to why this system interested in the development of the might not be working properly in brain: how cells get to where they schizophrenia. need to be and how they interact with other cells. In the brains of Q. What has been the greatest challenge people with schizophrenia we think of this work? the development of the brain has A. Schizophrenia is a challenging somehow been derailed, and this may illness to study as it presents with lead to circuits being improperly wired. different symptoms that can vary We are in an exciting era where we are between individuals. Identifying seeing many more molecular clues as different pathologies has the potential to how the cellular communication may be broken in the illness. advantage of being able to customise more effective treatments for patients. Dr Samantha Fung is a Q. What do you find most fulfilling Research Officer at the about the work? Q. Where does your work fit Schizophrenia Research in the larger schizophrenia A. I like the challenge of using the Laboratory research picture? little clues that we know about schizophrenia to ask new questions, A. In the long term, I hope that this Q. What research are you currently and trying to find a way to answer research will be able to be translated involved with? them. It’s exciting to know that you into more effective therapies for are making discoveries and about how A. Although there is uncertainty about individuals with schizophrenia by different systems fit with each other, what may be the main pathology in identifying which cell types are most and we are helping to build a picture of schizophrenia, research suggests that affected in schizophrenia and how we what might be going wrong in the brain the inhibitory circuitry in the brain is not may enhance the function of affected of someone with schizophrenia, which functioning properly. In my research at cells, or even encourage new cells into is key to finding new and effective ways the Schizophrenia Research Laboratory these circuits. to help these people. Research volunteers are still needed to take part in the Schizophrenia Research Research Volunteers Needed Laboratory’s hormone modulator drug trial in Sydney. For a criteria factsheet email [email protected] 2 Schizophrenia Research Institute | HeadLines Putting Our Heads Together The Institute holds regular research summits that bring together our scientists from each of our principal research areas – Developmental Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, lopm Deve ental obio and Epidemiology and Population Health. neur logy As a virtual medical research institute, obtain feedback and guidance by our very nature we have the unique from senior colleagues in their ability to draw from a wide pool of research area. research knowledge, leveraging all As well as contributing of the remarkable work that is being to ongoing investigation done across Australia in the field of E into schizophrenia and its p schizophrenia research. o i d treatments, these meetings p e e u e m c v The summits provide an important also encourage scientists l i a i t n t o i e to take a step back and i l n i opportunity for these researchers from o o c n g g s consider how the individual y o various centres to meet in person, h C ro e a u discuss recent advances in research, and studies conducted at various a nd e lth n plan for upcoming collaborative ventures. universities and institutes from This allows us to continue to grow our a wide range of scientific domains research agenda, and helps to nurture fit together in the ‘bigger picture’ early career researchers, as they can of schizophrenia research. Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes The Institute is now a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), the peak body that represents medical research institutes. AAMRI recognises that institutes such as the Schizophrenia Research Institute are a key component of Australia’s health and education systems. As a member institute, we are able to take part in greater scientific and administrative collaboration, which will help us continue to grow our research agenda and funding. Introducing New Institute Board Members The Institute welcomes two new Board Members, Norbert Schweizer and Chad Barton.

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