The mission of Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC) within the National Institute of Mental Health, Division of Intramural Programs (NIMH IRP) is to conduct and support research on brain and behavior, with the goal of reducing the burden of mental illness. HBCC is a national resource, providing unique opportunities in mental health research.
Established Technologies
The HBCC obtains human brain tissue and blood samples from deceased individuals diagnosed with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and their consequences (e.g., suicide), as well as from individuals without a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders (used as controls). The tissues are obtained under protocols approved by the HBCC Oversight Committee and the NIH Department of Bioethics and only with the permission of next-of-kin. Specific services include:
- Distribute well-characterized brain specimens to approved investigators
- Prepare high-quality tissue, RNA, DNA, and other derivative samples for distribution to approved investigators
- Provide scientific advice on neuroanatomical, molecular, clinical, and technical aspects of projects involving human brain tissue
- Perform molecular and genetic studies
- Assist medical examiner’s offices by providing neuropathology reports
- Disseminate data to the scientific community within and outside NIH using publicly available databases, primarily the NIMH Data Archive (NDA)