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.
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:
The core has an ultracentrifuge (Beckman Optima XPN 100 - IVD with a SW 32 TI rotor), a cryostat (LEICA CM, Model 1950) and a 10X Chromium Controller used for single nucleus extraction and RNA and ATAC library preparations from human brain. We will soon have an Agilent 5200 Fragment Analyzer for measuring nucleic acid composition and quality.
HBCC distributes samples to investigators approved by an NIMH Oversight Committee inside and outside NIH. As a non-renewable resource, the human brain collection requires oversight and evaluation to ensure that specimens are distributed equitably and fairly to investigators. For all inquiries, please review the HBCC procedures to Make A Request, or email Stefano Marenco directly.