# Recombinant Immunolabels for Nanoprecise Brain Mapping Across Scales

> **NIH NIH U24** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2021 · $1,360,198

## Abstract

Recombinant Immunolabels for Nanoprecise Brain Mapping Across Scales
Understanding brain function and dysfunction requires an understanding of the circuitry of the brain from
molecules to cells to circuits. While no single technique can achieve this, a strategic combination of techniques
applied across scales can provide information that when integrated can lead to a more complete picture. These
techniques can range from analyses of single molecules, including their localization in nanodomains, to
subcellular compartments such as synapses and synaptic networks to entire brains.
One common theme of these techniques is that they require affinity probes that specifically label subcellular
structures, cell types, and circuits within the brain. We propose to enhance an existing resource of renewable
affinity probes in the form of an extensive collection of highly-validated monoclonal antibodies. We will enhance
our ongoing dissemination of low cost, high quality antibodies to neuroscience researchers by converting these
to recombinant form. This will also ensure permanence of this valuable collection of renewable reagents for
future researchers. We will use established methods to miniaturize these conventional antibodies into a
nanoscale form. These miniaturized antibodies will allow for labeling of brain targets with single nanometer
precision, which will provide more spatially precise labeling and overcome the limits to imaging resolution that
conventional Abs represent. Moreover, the miniaturized Abs will have much better sample penetration, allowing
for more efficient labeling of larger samples of the type used for defining intact circuits.
We have formed a consortium of experts who developed and/or are experts in a powerful set of advanced
techniques that together allow for brain mapping across scales. This consortium will validate nanoscale
antibodies in their respective techniques, a key component of rigor and reproducibility of any antibody-based
research. We will also generate and validate novel nanoscale antibodies against targets of great interest to brain
investigators for which no suitable reagents exist. Together, these efforts will further enhance the dissemination
of this valuable resource, and fundamentally accelerate the pace of brain circuit mapping across scales.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10236253
- **Project number:** 5U24NS109113-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** James S Trimmer
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,360,198
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10236253

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10236253, Recombinant Immunolabels for Nanoprecise Brain Mapping Across Scales (5U24NS109113-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10236253. Licensed CC0.

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