3-D map of Alzheimer’s brain proteins
Project 2: 3-D Molecular atlas of AD proteinopathy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11180253
This project will make detailed three-dimensional maps of Alzheimer’s-related proteins and nearby brain cells using human brain tissue from people with Alzheimer’s to show how plaques and tangles differ across individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use intact post-mortem human brain tissue and highly multiplexed 3-D imaging to locate amyloid, tau, and other protein aggregates across brain regions. They will combine these spatial maps with single-nucleus RNA sequencing data to link protein deposits to specific cell types and molecular signatures. The team will also map co-occurring proteins such as TDP43 and alpha-synuclein and how these relate to local cell populations. The goal is to capture the three-dimensional organization of pathology and cells to explain why disease patterns vary between people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s (or their families) who are willing to consent to post-mortem brain donation and share clinical records.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate symptom relief or those not able to consent to brain donation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these 3-D maps could help doctors identify distinct Alzheimer’s subtypes and guide development of more precise diagnostics and therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell and 2-D spatial studies have linked cell types to Alzheimer’s pathology, but fully multiplexed 3-D mapping in intact human brain tissue is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MENON, VILAS — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: MENON, VILAS
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease pathology