Mapping the Different Types of Cells in the Brain
Official title: A Community Resource for Single Cell Data in the Brain
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11123302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a detailed map of all the different cell types in the human and primate brain, which will help us better understand how the brain works in health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,804,858 |
| NIH project number | 5U24MH130919-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this data could benefit individuals with various brain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this foundational data coordination project.
What this research studies
The BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) aims to create a complete catalog of the many different cell types found in human and non-human primate brains. This detailed information about brain cells is crucial for unlocking secrets about how our brains function normally and what goes wrong in various brain conditions. This particular project focuses on building a strong foundation for the BICAN network, making sure all the researchers can work together smoothly. It will help organize meetings, set common standards for data, and ensure that the valuable information collected is shared widely and effectively with other scientists. Ultimately, this effort will help accelerate discoveries that could lead to new ways to help patients with brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of brain diseases, paving the way for new treatments and diagnostic tools.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon previous successful efforts to map mouse brain cells and aims to extend those methods to human and primate brains, while also establishing essential coordination for a large scientific network.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawrylycz, Michael — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Hawrylycz, Michael
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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.