Mapping brain connections between different types of nerve cells
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Scalable Approaches for Bidirectional Brain-wide Trans-Neuronal Connectivity Mapping of Defined Cell Types
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10867185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to map how different nerve cells in the brain connect with each other, which will help scientists better understand how brain circuits work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,347,750 |
| NIH project number | 1U01NS136405-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain connectivity or function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those who do not have neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create advanced tools for mapping the connections between various types of nerve cells in the brain. By using innovative techniques that combine spatial transcriptomics and connectomics, the project will develop methods to identify how specific cell types are interconnected. The approach involves high-throughput mapping of both presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons linked to genetically defined starter cells. This comprehensive mapping will help scientists understand the structure and function of brain circuits more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain connectivity, which may improve treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in mapping brain connectivity using similar advanced techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duan, Xin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Duan, Xin
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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.