U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know

      Official websites use .gov
                A
                .gov
                website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
          Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
                A lock
                  (
                  
                  )
                   or
                  https://
                   means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.Search
                Menu
    
                      Información en Español
                      Search NINDSSearch NINDS
            

            Main navigation
  

        
              Health Information
                                     Toggle Health Information Dropdown
                                Disorders
                Clinical Trials
                Patient & Caregiver Education
                Public Education
                Support Resources
                Funding
                                     Toggle Funding Dropdown
                                Find Funding Opportunities
                About Funding
                Preparing Your Application
                After You Submit
                Determining Your Funding Likelihood
                Manage Your Award
                NINDS Small Business Program
                Training & Career Development
                Current Research
                                     Toggle Current Research Dropdown
                                Coronavirus and NINDS
                Focus on Disorders
                Focus on Tools & Topics
                Research Funded by NINDS
                Research at NINDS
                Scientific Resources
                Trans-Agency Activities
                News & Events
                                     Toggle News & Events Dropdown
                                Events
                News
                Director's Messages
                About NINDS
                                     Toggle About NINDS Dropdown
                                Who We Are
                What We Do
                Job Opportunities 
 Home
                                Current Research
                        Scientific Resources
SHARE: Cell/Tissue/DNA
Various neuroscience reagents and resources can be obtained by researchers, including human DNA, brain bank tissue and stem cell lines.

NeuroBioBank

The NeuroBioBank, supported by the NIMH, NINDS, and NICHD was established in September 2013 as a national resource for investigators utilizing human post-mortem brain tissue and related biospecimens for their research to understand conditions of the nervous system. With specimens that span neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders, the NeuroBioBank serves as a central point of access to the world-class collections of our five network sites. In addition, the NeuroBioBank provides researchers with a wealth of resources to facilitate their research, including medical records and clinical data sets (when available) as well as access to quality metrics and SOPs used by each site.

The contracts for the NeuroBioBank Tissue Repositories (NBTRs) were awarded to the following sites:

Brain Endowment Bank University of Miami (PI: William Scott)
	Brain and Tissue Bank University of Maryland (PI: Thomas Blanchard)
	Brain Tissue Donation Program University of Pittsburgh (PI: David Lewis)
	Harvard Brain and Tissue Resource (PI: Sabina Berretta)
	Mt. Sinai Brain Bank (PI: Harry Haroutunian)
	Sepulveda Research Corporation (PI: Rashed Nagra)Contact

Daniel Miller, Ph.D. | Program Director, NINDSdaniel.miller.nih.gov



Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP)




  Image
              Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program Tulip
The NINDS-supported Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program, or PDBP, provides longitudinal human biospecimens and associated data collected from Parkinson's and control subjects for use in Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers discovery projects. Biospecimen types available include: plasma, serum, DNA, PAX-gene tube (RNA), and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A core of standardized de-identified HIPAA-compliant longitudinal clinical data, based on clinical data elements is available for each unique individual as well. These are harmonized and based upon the NINDS Common Data Elements (CDEs).

Researchers can view available data via the Data Management Resource (DMR). Investigators have the ability to query (and download) clinical data using the “Query” tool, request biospecimens  from the “NINDS Biorepository Catalog” and order biospecimens via the “Order Manager” tool. Investigators gain access to the DMR by requesting an account (Request a PDBP DMR account). Once a signed Data Use Certification (DUC) is received, a requesting investigator will be granted access to the Query tool, NINDS Biorepository catalog and Order Manager. To obtain access to biospecimens, investigators are asked to provide a summary of their proposed biomarker research project and a power analysis to justify the number and types of biospecimens requested.  The  PDBP Biospecimen Resource Access Committee (BRAC) reviews the requests and the NINDS Biorepository Staff work with investigators whose requests are approved to assure receipt of the biospecimens. The specimens arrive masked, and will only be unmasked once resultant data are submitted to the PDBP Data Management Resource (DMR).

Contact

Debra Babcock, MD | Program Director, NINDSdbabcock@ninds.nih.gov

Christine Swanson-Fischer, Ph.D. | Program Officer, NINDSchristine.swanson-fischer@nih.gov



AIDS Tissue Resource


  Image
              National NeuroAIDS Tissue Brain Model
The National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC) collects, stores, and distributes samples of nervous tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and other tissue from HIV-infected individuals. The NNTC has been supported by NIMH and NINDS since 1998 and operates through a National Coordinating Office and four regional centers: the Texas NeuroAIDS Research Center; the California NeuroAIDS Tissue Network; the National Neurological AIDS Bank; and the Manhattan HIV Brain Bank. The mission of the NNTC is to provide high quality and well-characterized tissue samples from patients who died with HIV, including neuromedical and neuropsychiatric data gathered antemortem, to scientists studying the effects of HIV on the human brain. Since NNTC inception 2,158 participants have been enlisted for clinical evaluation and tissue donation. As of February 14, 2008, 723 central nervous system specimens from both HIV-infected and control subjects have been collected with an additional 1,450 blood samples available, 710 participates have at least three serial samples and 917 CSF samples available obtained from the NNTC patient cohort. NNTC encourages researchers to request tissues and/or clinical data for ancillary studies.

Contact

May Wong, Ph.D. | Program Director, NINDSwongm@mail.nih.gov

Related Sites:

National NeuroAIDS Tissue ConsortiumNIH Neuroscience Blueprint



NINDS Human Genetics Resource Center




  Image
              Image of a NINDS repository resource center.
The aim of the NINDS Human Genetics Resource Center  is to store and distribute genetic samples, lymphoblastoid cell lines, and clinical data to aid in the discovery of genes involved in neurological disorders. The Repository is a NINDS-funded contract to the Coriell Institute for Medical Research that banks and distributes lympoblastoid cell lines and DNA for neurological disease. The available high quality DNA is accompanied by disease-specific clinical data. The NINDS Repository aims to bank a large number of samples to generate the statistical power necessary to detect the moderate effects of a single susceptibility gene in complex genetic disorders. Currently the repository has samples with the following diagnoses:,cerebrovascular disease and stroke (~10,400 available), Dystonia (~1,880 available), epilepsy (~6,000 available), motor neuron disease (~2500 available), Parkinson's disease (~5,600 available), and Tourette syndrome (~ 4,100 available). The Repository also banks and distributes neurologically normal control samples (~ 6,100 available) as well as family-based control samples (~ 4,800 available). Finally, samples with known Mendelian mutations are also available. To date, more than 6,000 NINDS Repository samples have SNP genotype, sequencing, and phenotype data publically available in dbGaP. We encourage both academic and industry-sponsored investigators to deposit or withdraw samples from the NINDS Repository.

Contact

Ran Zhang, Ph.D. | Scientific Project Manager, NINDSzhangr2@ninds.nih.gov

Related Sites

NINDS Human Genetics Resource Center



NINDS Human Biosample Repository (BioSEND)

The NINDS Human Biosample Repository (BioSEND) is located at Indiana University under the direction of Dr. Tatiana Foroud.  BioSEND houses biosample collections from a number of natural history studies and clinical trials in Epilepsy, Frontotemporal Dementia, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Parkinsonisms, Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia, Myalgic Encphealomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury and Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.  Biosamples available through these cohorts include DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, whole blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Further information about cohort studies, biosamples available, and how to apply for biosample access please visit the following websites:

Cohort studies supported under the NINDS Biosample Repository (BioSEND)
	How to apply for biosample access reviewed by NINDS supported Biospecimen Resource Access Committees (BRACs).
	Parkinson’s Disease cohorts
		Huntington’s Disease cohorts
		Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia cohorts
		Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cohorts
		Traumatic Brain Injury cohorts
	Webform application for NINDS Biosample accessContact

Rebecca Price, Ph.D. | Program Officer, NINDSrebecca.price@nih.gov



NINDS Human Cell and Data Repository (NHCDR)

The NINDS Human Cell and Data Repository (NHCDR) is located at Rutgers University under the direction of Drs. Jay Tischfield and Jennifer Moore. The NHCDR provides access to fibroblast and/or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Dystonia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), Huntington's disease (HD), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Myotonic Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and related Parkinsonisms, Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), and healthy controls.  NHCDR also supports access to unique iPSC collections from NeuroLINCS, PDBP, LEFFTDS and Target ALS.  A GMP-grade iPSC line and corresponding research grade iPSC line are also available through the NHCDR.  Futher information about the human cell lines available and how to order cell lines can be found at the NHCDR website.

Contact

Rebecca Price, Ph.D. | Program Officer, NINDSrebecca.price@nih.gov

Human Tissue and Organ Research Resource


  Image
              NDRI logo- empowering research and discovery
The Human Tissue and Organ Research Resource (HTORR) provides high-quality human biospecimens to investigators to facilitate biomedical research across multiple disciplines. HTORR collaborates with a nationwide network of organ procurement organizations, tissue banks, eye banks, and surgical medical centers to recover and distribute a wide variety of human biospecimens from post-surgery and post-mortem donors. The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to advance biomedical research through the distribution of human organs, tissues, and cells to biomedical researchers, has managed HTORR for more than 30 years (NIH Grant Number:  U42 OD011158).

**Services Provided**

HTORR predominately utilizes a prospective procurement model with project-specific recovery and preservation protocols to collect human biospecimens from a diverse pool of normal and diseased donors. The HTORR model provides the scientific expertise and technical support to tailor tissue collection procedures to the specific requirements defined by each investigator’s experimental design. Biospecimens from all body systems are available, with customizable processing and preservation methods (fresh, frozen, and fixed).

Interested investigators complete a simple application process and, once approved, are served when tissues matching their requests become available. HTORR can also provide a Letter of Support (LOS) and budgetary information for NIH grant applications. For information about how to set up a prospective tissue recovery or to request a LOS, please email the NDRI Scientific Services Department atresearch@ndriresource.org.

Contact

Daniel Miller, Ph.D.| Program Director, NINDS

Daniel.miller@nih.gov

Related Sites

NDRI’s website

NIH Office of Research Infrastructure Program’sHTORR webpage Current Research
  
    

    Coronavirus and NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      COVID-19 News & Events
    
            Coronavirus and the Nervous System
    
            ResourcesFocus on Disorders
                                                              
                    
                                      Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
                                                              
                    
                                      Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
    
            Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Research
    
            Mixed-Etiology Dementias (MED) Research
    
            Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID)Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    
            Epilepsy Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Curing the Epilepsies: The Promise of Research
    
            Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP)Pain Research
    
            Parkinson's Disease Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Parkinson's Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Promise
    
            Parkinson’s Disease Research Centers of ExcellenceSpinal Cord Injury Research
    
            Traumatic Brain Injury Research
                                                              
                    
                                      NIH Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis ConferenceUndiagnosed Disease Network
        
  
              
    
            Focus on Tools & Topics
                                                              
                    
                                      Biomarkers Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Biomarker Program FAQs
    
            Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Biospecimen Resource Access Committee (ME/CFS BRAC)Health Disparities Research
    
            Focus on the Neural Exposome
    
            Neural Engineering Research
    
            Neuroethics
    
            Stem Cell Research
        
  
              
    
            Research Funded by NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      Clinical Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Office of Global Health and Health Disparities
                                                              
                    
                                      HERN Initiative
    
            U.S.-Japan Brain Research Cooperative Program (BRCP)NeuroNEXT
                                                              
                    
                                      NeuroNEXT Clinical SitesNeuroscience Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Fundamental Neuroscience ResearchTranslational Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Active Projects for Partnering
    
            CREATE Bio
                                                              
                    
                                      CREATE Bio Application Support Library
    
            CREATE Bio Contract Resources/Consultants
    
            CREATE Bio Guidance DocumentsDTR Staff Publications about Programs
    
            Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE Program)
                                                              
                    
                                      IGNITE - Definitions for Key Terms
    
            IGNITE Milestone ExamplesONETOX: Neural Exposome and Toxicology Programs
                                                              
                    
                                      The Neural Exposome
    
            Chemical Threats
    
            Chemical SafetyTranslational Devices
                                                              
                    
                                      Device Frequently Asked Questions
    
            Human Open Research Neural Engineering Technologies (HORNET) initiative
    
            Milestones for Translational Device Cooperative AgreementsUltra-rare Gene-based Therapy (URGenT) Network
                                                              
                    
                                      Current URGenT Projects
    
            URGenT External Consultant Board (ECB) Members
    
            URGenT Project Consultants & ContractsResearch at NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      Blue Ribbon Panel Review of NINDS Intramural Research Program
                                                              
                    
                                      Blue Ribbon Panel Highlights
    
            Blue Ribbon Panel Roster
    
            Charge to the Blue Ribbon Panel
    
            Executive Summary of the NINDS Blue Ribbon Panel ReviewScientific Resources
                                                              
                    
                                      Animal Models
    
            Cell/Tissue/DNA
    
            Clinical and Translational Resources
    
            Gene ExpressionTrans-Agency Activities
                                                              
                    
                                      CounterACT Program
                                                              
                    
                                      CounterACT Contract Core Resources
    
            CounterACT Publications
    
            CounterACT Scientific Research Contacts
    
            Current CounterACT Researchers & Projects
    
            FDA Guidance Documents
    
            NIH CounterACT Researcher Honors and AwardsICARE: Interagency Collaborative to Advance Research in Epilepsy
    
            Interagency Research Coordinating Committees
    
            NINDS' Role in the HEAL Initiative
                                                              
                    
                                      Early Phase Pain Investigation Clinical Network (EPPIC-Net)
    
            Pain Therapeutics Development Program
    
            Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain (PSPP)Office of Emergency Care Research
                                                              
                    
                                      OECR Funded Awards
    
            Research Involving an Exception from Informed ConsentRigor & Transparency
                                                              
                    
                                      Initiative to Improve Education in the Principles of Rigorous Research
    
            Rigor Champions and Opportunities
                                                              
                    
                                      NINDS Sustainable Transformation of Institutional Research Rigor (STIRR) Initiative
    
            Rigor IconsRigor and Transparency Resources

Did you find the content you were looking for?
  Yes, I did find the content I was looking for



No, I did not find the content I was looking forPlease rate how easy it was to navigate the NINDS website
  Very easy to navigate



Easy to navigate



Neutral



Difficult to navigate



Very difficult to navigateThank you for letting us know! Any other feedback?Submit

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policyand Terms of Serviceapply.

      Last reviewed on June 26, 2023
        Contact Us
  

        
              Contact NINDS
                Visitor Information
        Related Sites
  

        
              Site Map
                National Institutes of Health
                Department of Health & Human Services
                USA.gov
        Policies
  

        
              Accessibility
                Freedom of Information Act
                Linking Policy
                Privacy Statement
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Follow NINDS On Social Media
          
          National Institutes of Health (NIH)
          9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892