Improving brain organoids to better mimic human brain development.
Official title: Advancing the functional maturity of brain organoids by synthetic afferentation.
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10811090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make tiny brain models grown from human stem cells more like real brains, so we can better understand how the brain develops and works, which could help improve treatments for mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $445,009 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS132008-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by mental health disorders or those interested in the biological mechanisms of brain development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute mental health crises or those requiring immediate clinical interventions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the maturity of brain organoids, which are 3D cultures made from human stem cells that resemble the human brain. By introducing physiological inputs, the project aims to create more accurate models of brain development that can better mimic postnatal brain activity. The methodology involves using advanced techniques to stimulate these organoids and measure their neuronal activity, providing insights into how the human brain develops and functions. This could lead to better understanding and treatment of mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved models for studying mental health disorders, potentially resulting in better treatments and therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using brain organoids for studying neurological conditions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makinson, Christopher Donald — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Makinson, Christopher Donald
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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.