Tools for understanding brain connectivity and cell types
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: PatchLink, scalable tools for integrating connectomes, projectomes, and transcriptomes
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-10922714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating better tools to understand how different brain cells connect and work together, using advanced technology to speed up the process, and it's aimed at helping scientists learn more about brain function in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,714,162 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS132267-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the genetic and cellular basis of brain function, particularly those with neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neurological conditions or are not interested in the genetic aspects of brain research may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced tools to map the connections in the brain and link them to specific cell types. By automating a technique called Patch-seq, the researchers aim to analyze the entire mouse brain's wiring and genetic properties efficiently. This involves using machine learning and automation to enhance the speed and accuracy of data collection. The goal is to create comprehensive datasets that can help scientists understand how different brain cells interact and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and disorders, potentially improving treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using similar approaches to map brain connectivity, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorensen, Staci a — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Sorensen, Staci a
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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.