Mapping cells and molecules inside MS brain lesions
High-spatial-resolution multi-omics sequencing of brain lesions in multiple sclerosis
This project is building a new lab technique that maps which cells and molecular signals are present inside multiple sclerosis brain lesions to help people with progressive MS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have MS, researchers are developing a high-resolution method that uses tiny molecular barcodes and micro-devices to read genes, epigenetic marks, and proteins directly from areas of damaged brain tissue. They will apply this spatial multi-omics approach to MS lesions to see which cell types are present, where they sit in the tissue, and how their molecular states differ across lesion regions. The team plans to create detailed 3-D maps and identify molecular fingerprints (biomarkers) linked to lesion progression. Those maps are intended to point toward new therapy targets and ways to measure disease activity more precisely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with multiple sclerosis—particularly those with progressive disease—or individuals willing to donate brain tissue or other relevant samples to the research effort.
Not a fit: People without MS or those expecting immediate symptom relief from participating should not expect direct clinical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets and biomarkers to guide treatments and promote repair in progressive MS.
How similar studies have performed: Related spatial transcriptomics methods have successfully mapped cells in tumors and other brain studies, but applying high-resolution multi-epigenomic molecular barcoding specifically to MS lesions is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Yanxiang — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Deng, Yanxiang
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 below.