Tiny multicolor labels to map molecules and structures in brain cells
Novel Nano- and Immuno-Probes for Multicolor Electron Microscopy of Neural Cells and Tissues
This project is creating tiny color-coded tags that let researchers see both molecular markers and the fine structures inside brain cells to help study brain health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is building much smaller antibody fragments and special nanoparticles that light up in different colors under electron and light microscopes. They combine molecular labels with high-resolution imaging so scientists can link specific proteins to exact cell structures in brain tissue. The work aims to solve current problems like getting labels inside cells without damaging them and distinguishing label signal from normal electron microscopy contrast. These methods could be used on brain samples to reveal molecular changes tied to neurological disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with neurological disorders who can donate brain tissue or participate in future imaging studies are the most likely to be involved.
Not a fit: People who cannot or do not provide tissue samples, or whose care does not involve tissue-level imaging, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help doctors and researchers pinpoint disease-related molecules within tiny brain structures, improving diagnosis and guiding new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Similar correlative light-and-electron microscopy methods exist but have struggled with antibody delivery and contrast, so this multicolor probe approach is novel and not yet proven in clinical samples.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prigozhin, Maxim — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Prigozhin, Maxim
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.