Functionally guided cell atlas of the human and primate brain
Official title: Functionally guided adult whole brain cell atlas in human and NHP
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11387658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH project will map brain cells in humans and non-human primates to better understand how the brain is organized and how diseases affect it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $16,834,157 |
| NIH project number | 5UM1MH130981-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brain conditions or symptoms that could be related to brain cell diversity and organization may indirectly benefit from future translational insights.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without brain conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a comprehensive map of brain cell types by applying single-cell genomics and ATAC sequencing to adult human and primate brains. It will connect cellular data with larger brain networks, bridging microscopic details with MRI and other imaging. Researchers at the Allen Institute will lead the work, bringing together multiple scales and species to build a transformative cell atlas that informs brain function and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the atlas could speed up understanding of brain disorders and help guide targeted therapies and diagnostics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-cell brain mapping in mice has shown cellular diversity corresponds to function, suggesting cross-species relevance and potential translation to human brain biology.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lein, Ed — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Lein, Ed
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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.