The NIH BRAIN Initiative supports efforts to define, catalogue, map, access and characterize the diverse cell types and their functions in the brain across species. The NIH BRAIN Initiative supports two major transformative consortia with complementary goals:
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The BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN), which builds on findings from the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network (BICCN), aims to complete a systematic census and multiscale map of the spatial organization of the neuronal and glial cell types in the brain of multiple species with an emphasis on the human brain.
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The BRAIN Initiative Armamentarium for Precision Brain Cell Access, which aims to generate and disseminate a broad array of molecular tools to specifically access, manipulate and monitor brain cell types across species.
In addition, programs are directed toward (1) developing novel tools for probing specific brain cell types and circuits with greater precision and sensitivity, (2) characterizing understudied cell types such as glia and vascular cells, and (3) improving surrogate experimental assays for human brain function such as organoids. This includes:
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Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) [RFA-MH-23-290].
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Development of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in Human and Non-Human Primate Brain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) [RFA-MH-23-295].
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Tools to target, identify and characterize non-neuronal cells in the brain.
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Research to Develop and Validate Advanced Human Cell-Based Assays to Model Brain Structure and Function.
These projects cover developmental and adult stages as well as different physiological states. The ultimate concerted goal of these efforts is to provide both a comprehensive knowledge base and experimental access to diverse brain cell types to enable the study of their roles in health and disease.
Programs
The BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network (BICCN)
The BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN)
The BRAIN Initiative Armamentarium for Precision Brain Cell Access
Related Information
The NIH BRAIN Initiative Transformative Projects
Contact
For questions related to funding opportunities or program areas, please find contact information below. For public inquiries, please use our Contact Us form.
Olivier Berton, Ph.D.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
olivier.berton@nih.gov
David Panchision, Ph.D.
National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
panchisiond@mail.nih.gov