Schizophrenia study finds new biomarker, drug candidate to treat symptoms

A Northwestern University study identified a novel biomarker—a circulating form of brain protein Cacna2d1—found at reduced levels in schizophrenia patients' cerebrospinal fluid, leading to overactive brain circuits. Researchers created a synthetic version called SEAD1 that, when injected into mouse brains, corrected abnormal circuit activity and behavioral problems without observable side effects. The team is now optimizing the protein for future clinical trials targeting cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, which current medications fail to address.