Investigating how gene regulation changes in individual brain cells over time
Official title: Studying the Regulatory Dynamics with Single-cell Multiomics
Funded at New York Genome Center · NIH-10686569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects the way brain cells work and express their genes, which could help us understand neurodegenerative diseases better and lead to new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Genome Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,737,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM154011-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing early signs of neurodegeneration or those at risk due to age or genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or conditions unrelated to neurodegeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate gene expression in individual brain cells, particularly as they age. By utilizing advanced single-cell multiomics technologies, the study aims to capture both the static and dynamic aspects of gene regulation, which are crucial for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Patients may benefit from insights into how aging affects brain cell function and the potential development of targeted therapies. The research will analyze various molecular layers to uncover how these changes contribute to neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the underlying mechanisms of gene regulation in aging brain cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation in single cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Genome Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Chenxu — New York Genome Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Chenxu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New York Genome Center’s project on somatic mosaicism across human tissues
A nationwide effort to build a high-quality catalog of somatic genetic changes found in healthy tissues from people of diverse backgrounds, with the goal of better understanding aging and disease.
-
Mapping genome control switches in immune cells to understand autoimmune diseases
A team will build a high-throughput toolbox to map how noncoding genome regions control gene activity in human immune cells to better understand autoimmune diseases and brittle diabetes.
-
Scalable multi-ancestry genomics to uncover blood and heart disease mechanisms
A multi-ancestry study will explore how genetic differences influence blood traits and cardiovascular disease using scalable functional genomics tools.
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Predicting Psychosis Outcomes from Electronic Health Records
Researchers will use electronic health records to help predict how people with psychosis may fare over time and tailor care.
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ALS-FTSD: How brain regions and cells drive ALS and frontotemporal dementia together
A research grant to study how specific brain regions and cellular changes relate to ALS and related frontotemporal dementia symptoms in people who have the disease.
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Understanding genetic networks in autism and bipolar disorders to improve biology and treatment
A research grant will study how genetic factors influence autism and bipolar disorder by using advanced math and large genetic datasets to map networks in the brain.
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.