New imaging to map tiny brain wiring near deep brain stimulation targets
Label-free optical imaging for human mesoscale connectivity with a focus on deep brain stimulation targets
This project builds a label-free, high-resolution imaging system to map microscopic brain wiring around areas used for deep brain stimulation, aiming to help people with movement and psychiatric disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building a special light-based scanner that images brain tissue layer by layer without dyes, to reveal axons and fiber tracts at microscopic detail. They will use this system on whole brain samples and compare the images to traditional tract-tracing methods to improve accuracy. The focus is on regions targeted by deep brain stimulation so the maps can inform where stimulation works best. The team will refine the approach to create detailed, depth-resolved wiring maps that could guide future clinical targeting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions commonly treated by DBS—such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or certain psychiatric disorders—or individuals willing to donate brain tissue would be most directly relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to DBS or those not participating in tissue donation or related clinical programs are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve understanding of the precise brain wiring involved in disorders treated with deep brain stimulation and help target treatment more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Related optical and polarization-based imaging techniques have shown promise for mapping brain fibers ex vivo, but this whole-brain, label-free, depth-resolved approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akkin, Taner — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Akkin, Taner
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.