SUNAN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Single Unit Neurophysiological Architecture of the Neocortex
IRAS ID
314485
Contact name
William Muirhead
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The SUNAN (Single Unit Neurophysiological Architecture of the Neocortex) study aims to understand how individual brain cells called neurons interact and communicate, and how the neurons can be affected in neurological disease. Using an advanced digital probe called the "Neuropixels probe," which is as thin as a human hair, we can record electrical activity from individual neurons on the outmost layer of the brain (cerebral cortex). This electrical (neurophysiological) activity recording technique allows us to isolate and monitor single-neuron activity from the human brain during planned neurosurgical operations in real time.
The SUNAN study plans to recruit fifty patients scheduled for brain surgery, such as for tumour removal or operations that involve the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) within the brain, at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Participation is voluntary, and the suitability will be assessed by the participant’s neurosurgeon.
Patients who participate in SUNAN will undergo their planned neurosurgery as per standard of care with the additional step of a neurophysiological recording made from the brain using a Neuropixels probe. This recording step and the data collected will not affect the rest of the patients care which will proceed in the usual way and the data is collected solely for scientific purposes.
The study team believe that the insights gained from these electrical recordings from individual neurons will deepen our understanding of brain function and potentially lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0226
Date of REC Opinion
17 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion