A closer view of the biology behind brain disorders

Researchers supported by the US National Institutes of Health have built a detailed atlas of molecular activity across several brain disorders. Announced on 23 September, the work includes analysis of more than 6.3 million cell nuclei from brain tissue donated by 1,494 people.

The atlas focuses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region involved in memory and other complex mental functions. Samples represented Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy body disease, vascular dementia, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, alongside comparison donors without these conditions.

By examining individual cell types, the researchers identified biological processes shared across conditions as well as differences associated with particular diseases. The wider project also investigates symptoms such as agitation and depression that can accompany dementia.

The findings were presented in nine papers across Nature and related journals. Data and methods are available to researchers worldwide. These resources provide a basis for investigating future tests and treatment targets; the announcement describes research tools rather than a new treatment available to patients.

Sources:

• NIH — Scientists develop high-resolution molecular maps of Alzheimer’s and related brain disorders