Deep mysteries of the human brain to be uncovered by new study

Prof Seth Grant (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences) and his research group have been awarded £1.3m by the Wellcome Trust to map the human brain in unprecedented detail, potentially revealing new insights into the foundations of behaviour and brain disease. The researchers hope to map the trillion of connections between brain cells, known as synapses, that allow chemical and electrical messages to flow and are vital for healthy brain function. The elaborate map will show how these connections are organised throughout the brain and in its different regions. If successful, the project will deepen the fundamental understanding of brain structure and function and shed light on different brain diseases and behavioural conditions. 

The project is based on previous work creating the synaptome, a map for the mouse brain. To do this, researchers used cutting-edge techniques, such as molecular imaging and artificial intelligence, to look at synapses across the entire mouse brain. The study showed that mice bred to mirror aspects of autism and schizophrenia had different synaptome maps and did not recall information properly, suggesting that the diversity of synapse types may be key to storing and recalling information, helping the brain to quickly locate memories through activity patterns. 

Lead researcher, Professor Seth Grant, said, “Unravelling the immense complexity of the human brain is one of the great scientific challenges. We will chart the molecular architecture of the human brain and our maps will help explain the basis of our thoughts and actions in healthy people and those with brain disorders."