Brain Omics Central

Sharing access to advanced omics technologies specialized for studying brain resilience.

  1. Advanced omics technologies encompass a range of scientific methods, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These techniques enable researchers to analyze genes, RNA, proteins, and metabolites at a detailed level, providing a comprehensive view of cellular functions and interactions. By understanding these molecular components, scientists can explore how brain cells change over time and identify key factors in brain aging and resilience. 

    Brain Omics Central provides research partners access to these powerful technologies specialized for studying brain resilience. As part of the Brain Resilience Lab at the Knight Initiative, based within Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, we offer resources and expertise in advanced omics methods. Our goal is to support innovative research by providing tailored, experimental capabilities and fostering collaboration within a global network focused on advancing brain health in all stages of life. 

  2. Neuroscience researchers use equipment with Brain Omics Cenral.

Our Technology

Studying RNA transcripts produced by genes provides a map of gene expression patterns within cells. With single-cell and spatial techniques, we analyze cellular diversity and arrangements to explore how the brain maintains resilience as it ages.

By analyzing the suite of proteins in the aging brain, we gain insights into how they interact and evolve. This helps us understand essential processes like synaptic health and neural communication, shedding light on resilience mechanisms against age-related decline.

Focusing on small molecules involved in cellular metabolism, this technique allows us to track shifts in neural energy production and cellular health. This reveals strengths and vulnerabilities in the aging brain’s metabolic processes. 

This approach involves analyzing high-resolution images of brain tissue to study cellular structures and organization. By aligning brain dissections with the Allen Brain Atlas, we can explore age-related changes and abnormalities with precision, deepening our understanding of how aging impacts the brain.

  • Xenium Transcriptomic image of human hippocampus. Credit Brain Resilience Lab.
    Xenium Transcriptomic image of human hippocampus. Credit Brain Resilience Lab
  • Cerebellar Astrocytes. Credit Lunderg Lab.
    Cerebellar Astrocytes. Credit Lunderg Lab.
  • Chromatogram of lipids detected in the human brain. Credit Brain Resilience Lab.
    Chromatogram of lipids detected in the human brain. Credit Brain Resilience Lab.
  • Brain Region dissection. Credit Brain Resilience Lab.
    Brain Region dissection. Credit Brain Resilience Lab