A detailed cell map of the adult human and primate brain
Functionally guided adult whole brain cell atlas in human and NHP
Building a detailed map of cell types across adult human and primate brains to help people with brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced single-cell genomic and chromatin methods (including ATAC-seq) on whole adult human and non-human primate brains to identify distinct cell types and their molecular signatures. They will link these cellular maps to brain anatomy and imaging data to connect cell-level biology with brain circuits and function. The project uses donated human brain tissue and primate samples and compares species to find conserved cell types that are hard to study directly in people. The resulting atlas and data will be shared so other scientists can use it to guide new diagnostics and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (21+) who can donate brain tissue after death or people undergoing neurosurgery who agree to donate tissue for research.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly, since this project is focused on building a research resource rather than providing therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific cell types and molecular targets behind brain disorders, guiding new diagnostics and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell atlases in mice and in parts of the human brain have produced valuable results, but a whole-brain, functionally linked human and primate atlas is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Allen Institute — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lein, Ed — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Lein, Ed
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.