Imaging and data platform to map brain glial development
Official title: Imaging and computational platform for integrated analysis of biodata
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11400470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging and data platform will map glial development in the brain at subcellular detail to better understand diseases like Alexander disease and Alzheimer’s-related changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $429,691 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134593-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with Alexander disease or related neurodegenerative conditions, or patients contributing tissue samples for collaboration (if and when human studies are involved).
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a condition linked to glial biology or without access to relevant tissue samples are less likely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will create a high-resolution, unbiased platform to analyze whole brain tissue over time, using mouse models to study how glial cells grow and respond in development and aging. It will generate large datasets from tissue processing, imaging, and regional brain annotations to reveal how glia influence neurodegenerative conditions. The approach relies on advanced imaging and computational analysis to track gliogenesis in the forebrain. This could eventually inform strategies to guide glial behavior in regenerative therapies for CNS injuries and diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the platform could accelerate discoveries that inform treatments for Alexander disease and other neurodegenerative conditions by clarifying glial roles and regeneration potential.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that high-resolution gliogenesis analysis can reveal mechanisms, but this platform aims for unprecedented scale and automation.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenbaum, Alon — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Greenbaum, Alon
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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.