Understanding and classifying brain cell types using advanced techniques
Official title: Scientific and Public Outreach of Cell Type Taxonomies (SPOCTT) Initiative
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-10906970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on identifying different types of brain cells to help researchers and doctors better understand brain disorders, which could lead to improved treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,001,949 |
| NIH project number | 5U24NS133077-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in brain health and research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain health or those not engaged in research initiatives may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on classifying brain cell types through advanced single cell transcriptomics, which allows for the measurement of various molecular features from numerous cells. By analyzing these features, researchers aim to create a comprehensive taxonomy of brain cells that is consistent across different species and brain areas. The project also involves developing high-quality reference datasets and user-friendly web tools to help explore these classifications, making it easier for researchers and clinicians to access and utilize this information. Patients may benefit from improved understanding of brain disorders through enhanced classification of brain cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for brain-related diseases by providing a clearer understanding of brain cell types.
How similar studies have gone: Other research in the field of single cell transcriptomics has shown promising results in classifying cell types, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Jeremy a — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Miller, Jeremy a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Light Pipe Microscope for ultra-large-scale brain imaging
A new, lighter and cheaper microscope tool could help researchers image brain activity across large areas of the mouse brain in cellular detail.
-
Panoramic, minimally invasive deep-brain imaging interface for broad neural access
A new imaging tool in deep brain areas aims to let scientists see large brain regions at cellular detail with a tiny, minimally invasive probe.
-
SPOCTT 2.0: Understanding Brain Cell Types with AI and Maps
A national brain-research program is creating user-friendly tools and references to map brain cell types, making it easier for scientists and students to explore brain cells in humans and animals.
-
Large brain circuit models run on supercomputers
Aims to create and share powerful computer models of huge brain circuits to understand how thinking and behavior emerge in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
-
Spatial map of Alzheimer's cell types and disease patterns
Researchers are using advanced spatial genomics to map where different brain cells and disease markers sit in Alzheimer's and related dementias, with the goal of understanding what goes wrong in the brain.
-
Single-cell brain study of Alzheimer's disease across regions
A large NIH project will map the cellular and molecular changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease using cutting-edge single-cell genomics.
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.