Understanding Brain Connections as New Cells Grow
A Connectomic Analysis of a Developing Brain Undergoing Neurogenesis
This project explores how brain connections form and change as new brain cells develop, which could help us understand many neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many neurological conditions are linked to how brain networks grow and connect. We currently don't fully understand how these circuits change when new brain cells are added. This project uses a unique animal model, a mollusc, to create detailed maps of its entire brain connections at different stages of development. By tracking how these connections evolve as the number of brain cells increases, we hope to gain fundamental insights into brain wiring. This cellular-level understanding could shed light on how human brains develop and how problems in this process contribute to various conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this foundational work uses an animal model, future related studies may seek individuals with neurological conditions linked to brain development or network issues.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this basic understanding of brain development could pave the way for new ways to address neurological conditions caused by improper brain network growth.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses a novel animal model to map whole-brain connections, offering a new approach to understanding brain development.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katz, Paul S — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Katz, Paul S
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.