Creating new tools to trace brain circuits in animals
Official title: Developing Novel Trans-Synaptic Viral Vectors for Orthogonal or Rapid Circuit Tracing
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10640622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating special tools that help scientists see how different parts of the brain work together when animals learn new things or behave in complex ways, so they can better understand how our brains connect and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,129,268 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1MH132591-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain function or those not involved in animal studies may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced viral vectors that can trace multiple neural circuits in the brains of animals simultaneously. By using innovative techniques, the researchers aim to capture how different brain circuits interact during complex behaviors and learning processes. This approach will allow for a better understanding of brain connectivity and function, particularly in dynamic situations like development and learning. The study will utilize engineered viruses to improve the speed and accuracy of tracing these neural connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain disorders and improving treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in tracing neural circuits using viral vectors, but this approach aims to enhance and expand upon those methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Euiseok J — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Kim, Euiseok J
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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.