Mapping brain connections in primates using advanced technology
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: High-Throughput Single Cell Projection Mapping and Spine Quantification in the Primate Brain by Synaptic Barcoding
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10867065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how brain connections work in marmosets to help us better understand how the brain processes information, which could lead to new insights about brain function and disorders that we can't get from studying mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 31, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,481,203 |
| NIH project number | 1U01NS136398-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867065 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 access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the intricate synaptic connections in the primate brain, which are crucial for understanding neural computation. By utilizing innovative techniques, the study aims to deliver barcoded RNAs to specific brain regions and map the projections of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in marmosets. The approach combines systemic AAV delivery with advanced transcriptomics to achieve unprecedented resolution in quantifying synaptic structures. This could provide insights into brain function and disorders that are not possible with current rodent models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain function and lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been successful in rodent models, this research represents a novel application in primates, which has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macosko, Evan Z — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Macosko, Evan Z
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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.