Although neuroimaging has generated insights into which brain regions are thought to be affected in people with OCD, the underlying cellular and molecular changes are still unknown. Using brain tissue donated at the end of life by 50 people with OCD and controls, this study will identify specific cell populations and genes that are altered in people with OCD by analyzing hundreds of thousands of individual cells from three brain regions. These regions — the caudate nucleus, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex — will be analyzed using novel technology that can identify which genes each individual cell is using, and recognize biological states and changes in these cells. Data will be shared broadly to support the community of scientists studying OCD, enabling all researchers to query the data to answer questions about changes in specific genes and cell populations in OCD. This study will potentially deepen our understanding of the biology underlying OCD and generate new ideas for OCD medicines and therapies.

This award was made possible through the generosity of the Selig Family.