High-resolution imaging of brain connections in donated tissue
Cell-resolution imaging of synapses and circuits in post-mortem specimens
['FUNDING_R21'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11302682
This project develops chemical tools that light up connections between brain cells in donated post-mortem brain tissue so researchers can map neural circuits.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11302682 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will make special chemicals that become fluorescent when placed at synapses and spread a visible signal to connected cells. They will apply these reagents to fixed post-mortem brain specimens, including human samples, and image labeled cells with light microscopy. The approach pairs pro-fluorescent lipids that mark neuron populations with synapse-targeted molecules that trigger fluorescence in connected partners. The goal is to produce detailed maps of synapses and local circuits in donated brains without needing live tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are willing to enroll in a brain donation program or consent to post-mortem tissue donation for research are the ideal candidates to contribute samples.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or therapeutic benefit will not gain direct health benefit from this laboratory-focused, post-mortem imaging work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let scientists read wiring diagrams from donated human brains, improving understanding of neurological disorders and guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Existing labeling and imaging methods work in live or fresh tissue, but using chemical tags to reveal connected cells in fixed post-mortem human specimens is largely novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK — STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAUGHLIN, SCOTT T. — STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- Study coordinator: LAUGHLIN, SCOTT T.
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 below.