Mapping brain circuits using a special virus to understand neuron connections.
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Synaptic resolution whole-brain circuit mapping of molecularly defined cell types using a barcoded rabies virus
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11159346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to create a detailed map of how brain cells connect and communicate with each other, which could help us understand how the brain works and how to better treat brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,970,302 |
| NIH project number | 7U01NS132353-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those not willing to participate in experimental procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to map the connections between neurons in the brain at a very detailed level. By using a barcoded rabies virus, researchers aim to create a comprehensive map of synaptic connections and understand how different types of neurons interact. The approach combines advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics to link molecular characteristics of neurons with their physical connections in the brain. This could lead to a better understanding of brain function and disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into brain connectivity that may lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar high-throughput mapping techniques has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tolias, Andreas — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Tolias, Andreas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to predict CAR-T patient response and guide safer, smarter cell design
A Stanford team is building AI tools that use patient and CAR-T cell data to predict how well a CAR-T therapy will work and what design changes might boost effectiveness and safety for people with cancer.
-
Community-driven model to reduce overdose deaths through smarter resource use
A Stanford-led project uses a data-driven model to help counties pick the best ways to prevent opioid and stimulant overdoses and save lives.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation at Stanford: Research Core
A Stanford-based program is advancing how evidence-based addiction treatments are implemented across settings to help people with substance use disorders receive better care.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation At Stanford (C-DIAS)
A center-based program at Stanford aims to speed people who need addiction treatments to get evidence-based care.
-
Mitochondrial structure and neuron health in Alzheimer's and ALS
This grant studies how mitochondrial cristae structure in neurons is controlled and how its disruption may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
-
Pediatric EMS seizures: simpler age-based midazolam dosing
A nationwide trial at EMS agencies tests whether using fixed, age-based dosing of midazolam for seizures in children improves treatment speed and safety.
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.