Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Official title: Single Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Multiple System Atrophy Brain
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11380875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $658,449 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131658-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with MSA who have available postmortem brain tissue for research and comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without available brain tissue or without MSA-related samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced single-nucleus RNA sequencing on postmortem brain tissue from MSA patients to create a detailed cell-by-cell atlas of affected areas like the striatum, cerebellum, and cortex. By comparing subtypes MSA-P and MSA-C, researchers aim to link cell type-specific changes to dominant symptoms. The study plans to add more brain samples and generate high-resolution transcriptional profiles to uncover how oligodendrocyte dysfunction relates to neuronal death. Results could point to new targets for therapies that protect or restore brain cell function in MSA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper map of brain cell changes in MSA could guide future treatments aimed at protecting affected cells and slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Similar single-cell studies in neurodegenerative diseases have successfully revealed cell-type changes and potential targets, supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Un Jung — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kang, Un Jung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
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Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
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Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
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Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
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Identifying biomarkers for multiple system atrophy using gene expression analysis
This study is looking at how multiple system atrophy (MSA) affects brain cells by examining changes in their genes, and it aims to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition, with opportunities for patients to help by sharing samples.
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.