Measuring brain connections using advanced genomic tools
Official title: High-throughput measurement of neuronal projections and synapses using Synapse-seq
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10640361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to look at how brain cells connect with each other, which could help us understand changes in these connections that happen in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. 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) | $1,750,306 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1MH130468-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's or those without any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative genomic tools, known as Synapse-seq, to measure and analyze the complex connections between neurons in the brain. By utilizing advanced techniques such as viral delivery of barcoded mRNA and single-cell sequencing, the project aims to quantify neuronal projections and synaptic connections in living organisms. This approach will allow researchers to better understand the structural basis of brain function and how these connections may be altered in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genomic tools to study neural connectivity, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macosko, Evan Z — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Macosko, Evan Z
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Broad-Color: A Center to Accelerate All of Us Genomics
A national effort to speed up personalized medicine by expanding genomic data and clinical insight for All of Us participants.
-
Common Fund data knowledge center to make big data insights easy to use
A project to make NIH Common Fund datasets easy to find, understand, and use for researchers by turning them into trusted, clearly explained knowledge that supports big data discoveries.
-
Massive-scale genomic risk assessment to inform precision medicine for diabetes
A large study aims to map how genetic differences influence different forms of diabetes to guide personalized care.
-
Massive-scale genetic risk profiling to guide personalized diabetes care
A large NIH-funded project will study how many diabetes-related genetic variants influence risk across diverse populations to help tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Asian Bipolar Genetics Network study
This project studies the genetics of bipolar disorder in East and South Asian people to better understand risk factors and how they may affect diagnosis and care.
-
Broad-Color: A Genomic Center to Accelerate All of Us for Better Health
A national genomic resource project will expand and speed up how researchers use genetic data from All of Us participants to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
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.