Cell-type specific brain stimulation: new methods to map and predict ICMS effects
Official title: Cell type-specific effects of ICMS on brain cells: new approaches integrating spatial transcriptomics, modeling, and behavior
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11629777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using targeted brain stimulation and advanced gene mapping to understand how different brain cell types respond to electrical stimulation and how this affects behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $542,089 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS151724-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11629777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with neurological conditions who could benefit from cortical stimulation-based therapies and who may participate in related future trials or biomarker studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not suited for cortical stimulation approaches or without related conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine high-resolution intracortical microstimulation with spatial transcriptomics to identify how specific brain cell types react to stimulation. They will modernize safety biomarkers, build a cell-type–focused understanding of ICMS effects, and develop a computational model that links stimulation, gene/protein changes, and behavior. The work aims to predict therapeutic and off-target outcomes and guide the design of better cortical neural interfaces. This could inform safer, more precise therapies for neurological conditions in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to safer and more effective stimulation protocols and smarter brain implants that better predict outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise in linking stimulation with biomarkers, but this project pushes toward a deeper, cell-type–specific understanding and predictive modeling.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Purcell, Erin K — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Purcell, Erin K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions
This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
-
Stabilizing the tear film to relieve evaporative dry eye
This project tests new ways to stabilize the tear film in people with evaporative dry eye, with the goal of longer-lasting comfort.
-
Expanded program to monitor work injuries and illnesses in Michigan
A nationwide-style occupational health surveillance program will be continued and expanded in Michigan to track injuries, illnesses, and related hazards among workers.
-
Identifying protective antibody responses to malaria in children
Young children in Africa may develop antibodies that protect against malaria; this project maps which antibody features help prevent severe disease.
-
Understanding how viral fusion proteins cause membranes to fuse
Scientists are studying how the envelope proteins of AIDS-causing viruses help them fuse with human cells, with the aim of guiding new antiviral strategies.
-
High-resolution 3D maps of DNA folding in different cells and species
A researcher is developing new computer models to reconstruct detailed 3D maps of how DNA folds inside cells across different cell types, genotypes, and species.
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.