A detailed map of how adult human brain cells differ between people
An Atlas of Human Brain Cell Variation
We are building a detailed map of how brain cells differ across adults to connect those differences to genetics and brain scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I contribute, researchers will analyze brain tissue, genetic data, and brain scans from hundreds of adults to map how individual brain cells vary between people. They will use single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing on tens of millions of cells and add spatial transcriptomics on some samples to see where cell types sit in the brain. The team will relate those molecular maps to each person's genetic variants and to structural brain scans from many studies. The project will create a public resource other scientists and clinicians can use to better understand brain diseases and guide future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (21+) who can provide genetic and brain imaging data or agree to donate brain tissue for research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or those who cannot provide genetic, imaging, or tissue donations are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this atlas could help link cell-level differences to brain disorders and point to new targets for diagnosis and treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior single-cell and brain atlas projects have mapped cell types successfully, but this project's large scale and explicit linking to genetics and imaging is comparatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarroll, Steven Andrew — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mccarroll, Steven Andrew
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.