Creating a detailed map of the human cerebellum's connections
Official title: Mapping of the intrinsic and extrinsic cerebellar connectome at ultra high resolution with expert neuroanatomical curation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11059193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a detailed map of the brain's cerebellum to better understand how it connects to other parts of the brain and how it might be affected by conditions like autism and Alzheimer's, helping researchers learn more about these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,892 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132610-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism, Alzheimer's disease, or other conditions that affect the cerebellum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cerebellar function or those without neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop the first comprehensive atlas of the human cerebellar connectome using advanced imaging techniques. By employing ultra-high-resolution diffusion MRI, the project will meticulously map the intricate connections within the cerebellum and its links to other brain structures. This detailed mapping is crucial for understanding how the cerebellum is affected in various neurological conditions, including autism and Alzheimer's disease. The research will involve expert neuroanatomical curation to ensure accuracy and reliability in the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with neurological disorders linked to cerebellar dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in mapping brain connectomes, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs in understanding brain structure and function.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donnell, Lauren Jean — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: O'donnell, Lauren Jean
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.