Mapping the molecular changes in the aging brain
Official title: Project 1: 3-D Molecular atlas of the aging brain
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10935938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains change as we get older, focusing on specific areas that can be affected by diseases like Alzheimer's, and it's for people aged 20 to 90 who are healthy, to help us understand normal aging and what might lead to brain problems later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,754 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG074862-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy individuals aged 20 to 90 with minimal or no underlying brain pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with significant neurodegenerative diseases or severe brain pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects the brain at a molecular level by examining three specific regions known to be vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer's. It aims to create a detailed 3-D atlas that captures changes in gene expression and cellular composition in individuals aged 20 to 90 who show minimal or no signs of pathology. By using advanced techniques such as immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics, the study seeks to understand the normal aging process and how deviations from this process may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. This information could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying age-related brain changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in mapping brain changes associated with aging, but this project aims to provide a novel and comprehensive 3-D molecular atlas.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phatnani, Hemali — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Phatnani, Hemali
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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.