Understanding Brain Connections in Conditions like Alzheimer's
Unraveling the Superficial White Matter of the Primate Brain: Tracer-Based Histology and dMRI Tractography Validation
This project aims to better understand the brain's wiring, especially in areas linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, autism, and multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116904 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have a special layer of connections called superficial white matter (SWM) that is important for how different brain areas talk to each other. When this SWM is not working correctly, it can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis. Because it's hard to see these tiny connections in living human brains, this project uses advanced imaging and tracing methods in primate brains. By mapping these connections in detail, we hope to create better tools to understand and eventually treat these complex brain conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this foundational work does not directly involve human participants, patients with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, autism, or multiple sclerosis could ultimately benefit from the improved understanding of brain connections.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological conditions related to superficial white matter may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate ways to diagnose and develop treatments for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, autism, and multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Comprehensive studies of these specific brain connections have not been performed, making this a novel and foundational approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rushmore, Richard Jarrett — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Rushmore, Richard Jarrett
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.