Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Neuroimaging Biomarkers in Schizophrenia
Nina V Kraguljac1, William M McDonald1, Alik S Widge1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque (Tohen); Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Dell Medical School, Austin (Nemeroff).
Neuroimaging biomarkers offer objective measures for schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment. This review explores candidates like dopamine hyperactivity and dysconnectivity for personalized patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biomarker Development
Background:
- Schizophrenia presents complex genetic, neurobiological, and phenotypic heterogeneity.
- Current diagnostic and treatment decisions lack objective biological measures (biomarkers).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanistically plausible neuroimaging biomarker candidates for schizophrenia.
- To discuss the potential of these biomarkers for disease risk, diagnosis, and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuroimaging techniques and schizophrenia pathophysiology.
- Identification and discussion of specific neuroimaging biomarker candidates.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging can capture phenotypic variations relevant to schizophrenia.
- Potential biomarkers include dopamine hyperactivity, NMDA receptor hypofunction, and dysconnectivity.
Conclusions:
- Mechanistically based neuroimaging biomarkers could serve as surrogate endpoints for schizophrenia.
- Effective biomarkers are crucial for validating treatments and enabling personalized medicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...