Understanding how the human brain's outer layer has evolved and its connection to brain disorders.
Official title: Evolutionary expansion of human cerebral cortex: spatial patterns and transcriptional correlates
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11126540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the human brain has changed over time compared to other primates, which could help us understand more about thinking skills and brain disorders like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, ultimately aiming to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 19, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32MH138113-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain disorders unrelated to the cerebral cortex or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolutionary changes in the human cerebral cortex, focusing on how its expansion differs from that of other primates. By utilizing advanced mapping techniques and single-cell transcriptomics, the study aims to identify the specific regions of the cortex that have expanded and how these changes relate to gene expression patterns. This could provide insights into the biological basis of cognitive abilities and brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of these conditions and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain evolution and its implications for cognitive disorders, suggesting this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Burke Quartman — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Burke Quartman
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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.