Investigating and correcting brain circuitry using targeted viral tools
Official title: Cell type selective viral tools to interrogate and correct non-human primate and human brain circuitry
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11031286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to use special viruses to target and change specific brain cells, which could help us understand how these cells work and lead to better treatments for conditions like epilepsy.
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 | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $785,732 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3MH120095-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include adults with specific brain disorders, particularly those related to cell-type dysfunction such as certain forms of epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain disorders that do not involve specific cell-type dysfunction or those under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced viral tools to selectively target and manipulate specific types of brain cells in humans and non-human primates. By utilizing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), the study aims to enable precise gene delivery to these cell types, which is crucial for understanding their roles in normal brain function and in diseases such as epilepsy. The approach involves leveraging cutting-edge techniques in single-cell transcriptomics to identify and characterize the molecular signatures of various brain cell classes. This could lead to targeted therapies that address specific brain disorders more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for brain disorders by enabling targeted gene therapies that address the underlying causes of these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using viral tools for targeted gene delivery in animal models, indicating potential success for similar approaches in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ting, Jonathan T — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Ting, Jonathan T
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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.