As outlined in Proposition 14, one of the goals of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is to help accelerate discoveries that enhance our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. As part of this goal, CIRM launched the Research using Multidisciplinary, Innovative approaches in Neuro Diseases (ReMIND) Program in 2023 with the ReMIND-L (DISC4) awards.

Through the 2024 ReMIND-L awards, CIRM is supporting large, collaborative research teams conducting expansive, integrated research projects, utilizing recent advancements in stem cell and genetic research, to address critical gaps in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and other conditions that significantly affect patients and caregivers throughout California.

Xin Jin, PhD, from the Scripps Research Institute, along with her co-investigators Joseph Ecker, PhD, and Rusty Gage, PhD, of the Salk Institute, and Maria Carol Marchetto, PhD, and Eran Mukamel, PhD, of UC San Diego, were awarded $12.9 million to advance basic research, also known as Discovery research, focused on neuropsychiatric risk genes. These genes are associated with the likelihood of an individual developing a specific inherited psychiatric disorder.

CIRM connected with Dr. Jin to learn more about the project and how it could advance our understanding of how psychiatric disorders develop.

Some responses have been edited for clarity and brevity:

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CIRM: Please share a summary of your research project. Is there a particular disease focus? Is there a broader question that this project is hoping to address?

Dr. Jin: Our research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular consequences of neuropsychiatric risk genes. By studying many of these risk genes using advanced tools and cellular models, we aim to uncover shared mechanisms across species and develop therapeutics to target these molecular pathways. This project bridges cellular models, human patient studies, and AI-driven analyses to address how changes in our genome affect brain development and function.

CIRM: What are some of the discoveries you’re hoping to achieve through this research project? Can you please tell us about them? What are some research challenges you’d like to overcome through this project?

Dr. Jin: We aim to identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders by mapping how risk genes disrupt gene expression, epigenetics (how your behavior and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work), and neuronal function. This requires overcoming challenges including integrating complex genomic data across species as well as validating human-specific findings in other cellular models, paving the way for innovative therapeutic targets.

CIRM: What are some ways this research project can positively impact patients across California and the world? Alternatively, what are the ways in which this research could change the way this disease is considered or studied by other scientists?

Dr. Jin: Our research has the potential to revolutionize how neurodevelopmental disorders are studied and treated by identifying convergent molecular pathways across diverse cases. It could lead to broad-spectrum therapies that benefit individuals globally. For scientists, our findings and tools will offer new frameworks for studying neurodevelopmental disorders, advancing precision medicine approaches.

CIRM: In your words, can you share why research for neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS) is so important?

Dr. Jin: Understanding neuropsychiatric disorders is critical due to their complexity and widespread impact on quality of life in our society.

Research on the CNS provides insights into fundamental brain functions and helps identify therapeutic targets for conditions with limited treatment options, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, epilepsy, and other disorders.

CIRM: The ReMIND program is a pilot for collaborative, multi-investigator funding for foundational basic discovery research. Could you speak to the timeliness and impact of such funding structures more broadly and why you think such funding structures will be impactful for CIRM’s mission?

Dr. Jin: Collaborative funding like ReMIND-L enables interdisciplinary teams to address ambitious questions that single labs cannot tackle alone. This structure supports cutting-edge discoveries and aligns with CIRM’s mission to advance regenerative medicine and improve lives. With this network mechanism, we are excited to embark on this project with substantial impact across fields.

CIRM: CIRM is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year. In your words, can you describe CIRM’s impact over the last 20 years?

Dr. Jin: CIRM has transformed stem cell research not only in California but throughout the biomedical communities, supporting groundbreaking discoveries and creating infrastructure that accelerates therapeutic advancements. Its impact spans foundational research to clinical applications, fostering innovation in regenerative medicine. Happy birthday, CIRM!

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Learn more about the ReMIND program at cirm.ca.gov/remind.