Understanding the 3D structure of the human cerebellar cortex
Official title: Elucidating the Three-Dimensional Organization of the Human Cerebellar Cortex Using Histological and Ultra-High Resolution Structural MRI Approaches
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11081815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the detailed structure of the brain's cerebellum to better understand how it works and how it might be affected by conditions like Alzheimer's and autism, using advanced imaging techniques and tissue samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $207,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS136960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or autism spectrum disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cerebellar function or those without neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the three-dimensional organization of the human cerebellar cortex using advanced techniques like 3D histology and ultra-high resolution structural MRI. By examining tissue samples, the study will relate the intricate 3D structures observed in high-resolution MRI scans to the actual anatomical organization of the cerebellar cortex. This could provide insights into how different parts of the cerebellum function and how they may be affected by various diseases. The findings may help improve our understanding of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions affecting the cerebellum.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on animal models, this approach to studying the human cerebellar cortex is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rushmore, Richard Jarrett — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Rushmore, Richard Jarrett
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating a detailed map of early lung cancer changes
This study is looking at early changes in lung tissue that can lead to cancer, specifically focusing on common types of lung cancer, and it's for patients who want to help researchers understand these changes better so they can improve early detection and treatment.
-
Telomere trouble in ALT cancers: what causes damage and how it happens
Researchers are studying why some cancer cells use ALT to lengthen telomeres and how replication stress damages telomeres, aiming to uncover key processes that could be targeted in patients.
-
IL-6 signaling, lung injury, and post-TB lung disease in TB/HIV
This grant tests how a specific immune signal (IL-6) relates to lung damage after tuberculosis in people with and without HIV, aiming to understand who is at risk for lasting lung problems.
-
IL-6 signaling and lung injury after TB and HIV co-infection
This project looks at how a common immune signal called IL-6 relates to lung injury after TB treatment, especially in people who also have HIV.
-
LEAD Africa: advancing Alzheimer’s research across Africa
A new project aims to build Alzheimer’s disease research capabilities in Africa to improve understanding and care for people with dementia.
-
Leading AD and related dementias research in Africa
A multi-country effort aims to build Africa’s capacity to study Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias using scalable, low-cost methods.
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.