Creating and distributing specialized viral vectors for brain research
Official title: The BRAIN-STORRM Network for AAV vector manufacture and distribution
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10973868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special tools to help scientists deliver treatments directly to specific brain cells, which could improve our understanding of how we learn and make decisions, and it's especially aimed at helping labs that might not have as many resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $886,789 |
| NIH project number | 1U24MH137478-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include researchers and institutions focused on neuroscience and brain-related studies, particularly those interested in gene therapy and neural circuit analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological research or those not involved in scientific research may not receive direct benefits from this initiative.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors that are tailored to target specific cell types in the brain, which are essential for understanding cognitive functions like learning and decision-making. The project aims to establish a center that will manufacture and validate these vectors, making them accessible to a wider range of neuroscience labs, especially those from underrepresented groups. By testing various delivery methods and enhancing the effectiveness of these vectors, the research will create a catalog of ready-to-use tools for scientists studying neural circuits. This initiative is part of a larger effort to advance brain research through innovative technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide researchers with more effective tools to study brain functions, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treating neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research initiatives have successfully developed specialized viral vectors for neuroscience, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stauffer, William Richard — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stauffer, William Richard
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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.