Biological markers of stress and inflammation across clinical stages of schizophrenia: from early at-risk states to chronic illness

Alexis will investigate the extent to which biological markers of stress and inflammation distinguish between the clinical stages of schizophrenia and predict illness progression. To achieve this, she will examine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and gene expression of inflammatory markers in individuals at different stages of psychosis, ranging from adolescents at elevated risk for schizophrenia through to adults with chronic illness. During her fellowship, Alexis will work with Dr Valeria Mondelli, Professor Robin Murray and Professor Philip McGuire at King’s College London, and will additionally complete placements at the University of Birmingham, Emory University (USA), and McGill University (Canada).