Mapping brain connections using advanced viral techniques.
Official title: Highly multiplexed circuit mapping using barcoded rabies viruses and in situ sequencing.
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10640501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how different types of brain cells connect and work together, which could help us understand mental health issues better and improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,833,943 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1MH132596-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with mental health disorders or those interested in the biological underpinnings of psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any mental health disorders or those not interested in the biological aspects of psychiatric conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better understand the brain's neural circuits by using genetically barcoded rabies viruses combined with high-throughput DNA sequencing. The approach aims to identify different types of neurons and their connections throughout the brain, which is crucial for understanding mental health disorders. By mapping the inputs to various neuron subtypes, the research seeks to reveal how these connections influence brain function and behavior. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the neural basis of psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders by providing a clearer understanding of brain circuitry.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using advanced viral techniques for mapping neural circuits, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wickersham, Ian R — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Wickersham, Ian R
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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.