# Core D - Neuropathology Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2024 · $408,114

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – NEUROPATHOLOGY CORE (CORE D)
The Neuropathology Core of the Wisconsin ADRC provides neuropathology expertise and infrastructure to
perform rapid brain autopsies, collect and share postmortem data and biospecimens, and conduct detailed
neuropathologic examination and diagnosis of brains donated to the Wisconsin Brain Donor Program (WBDP;
housed in Core D) from consenting Clinical Core participants. Neuropathologic examination is performed by
Board-Certified neuropathologists following NACC protocols for postmortem tissue and biofluids collection,
banking, and neuropathologic evaluation, which includes state-of-the-art whole slide imaging. Critically, this in-
depth neuropathologic characterization provides pathological basis for ADRC investigators to understand the
role of AD and mixed-brain pathologies in AD and ADRD that contribute to clinical symptoms. The Core also
supports advanced postmortem case workup for individuals with antemortem biomarkers, including postmortem
MRI, image-guided tissue sampling, and collection and assessment of arterial vessels. This extensive
neuropathologic characterization in conjunction with deeply phenotyped antemortem clinical, biomarker,
behavioral, and genetic data collected during life uniquely facilitates cutting-edge clinicopathologic research
characterizing antemortem imaging and fluid biomarkers and bridging the gap between brain pathology, ADRD
biomarkers, and their clinical consequences. The WBDP works closely with Cores C, F, and G to educate
participants on the impact of brain donation and encourage enrollment, and regularly communicates brain
donation procedures with participants, their families, a network of pathologists, and funerary providers to ensure
a short postmortem interval. Finally, the Core and its investigators collaborate with the REC to provide an array
of neuropathology training resources including clinicopathologic case conferences, in-person training on gross
and microscopic brain examination, and pathology coursework. The Core goals are accomplished in four specific
aims. Aim 1 will perform rapid brain autopsies, collecting and archiving frozen and fixed tissue blocks from
multiple brain regions on deceased individuals enrolled in the Wisconsin ADRC and linked studies, and receive,
catalogue, and process relevant postmortem blood and CSF biospecimens. Aim 2 provides comprehensive
neuropathologic evaluations per NIA consensus guidelines on Clinical Core subjects, collect NACC
neuropathology data, and make the results available to the family, relevant clinicians, qualified researchers, and
NACC. Aim 3 focuses on sharing postmortem biospecimens (brain regions, blood products, CSF) and
associated neuropathologic and other data to support UW-Madison investigators, and national, and international
multi-center AD/ADRD research collaborations. Finally, Aim 4 will enable innovative antemortem-postmortem
research with deeply phenotyped antemortem biomarker, clinical, cognitiv...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10866816
- **Project number:** 2P30AG062715-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas J Montine
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $408,114
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10866816

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10866816, Core D - Neuropathology Core (2P30AG062715-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10866816. Licensed CC0.

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