Mapping molecular signatures in mammalian brains at a single-cell level

In situ Single-Cell Multi-Omic and Morphological Profiling in Mammalian Brains

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10506297

This study is exploring new ways to look at brain cells and their unique features to better understand how they work, which could help improve treatments for mental health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10506297 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced techniques to analyze brain cells by mapping their molecular signatures directly within the brain's three-dimensional structure. It utilizes a novel method called photonic-indexing sequencing (pi-seq) to create detailed profiles of individual cells, including their genetic and epigenetic information. By integrating this approach with existing single-cell technologies, the research aims to enhance our understanding of how brain cells function in both healthy and diseased states. Patients may benefit from insights gained about mental health disorders through improved understanding of brain cell behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with mental health disorders or those interested in the biological underpinnings of psychiatric diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to brain function or mental health may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating mental health disorders by providing detailed insights into brain cell functions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with single-cell technologies in various contexts, but this specific approach using pi-seq is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.