A PET tracer that spots harmful protein networks in Alzheimer’s
[18F]-PU-AD epichaperome PET imaging probe
A new PET scan tracer that highlights abnormal protein complexes called epichaperomes in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11334276 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, doctors will use a PET scan tracer labeled with fluorine-18 that binds to epichaperomes, unusual protein networks linked to early Alzheimer’s changes. The team builds on earlier work using a related iodine-labeled probe that showed these protein complexes can be seen in patients. Participants will get an injection of the tracer and undergo brain PET imaging so researchers can map where epichaperomes form. The goal is to create a reliable imaging tool that can be used in clinics and future treatment studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or related cognitive impairment who can travel to the imaging center and safely undergo PET scans and tracer injection would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, those unable to have PET scans (for example due to severe medical issues or pregnancy), or those unwilling to travel to the site may not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors see molecular signs of Alzheimer’s earlier and help match patients to targeted treatments or trials.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot work with a related iodine-labeled probe ([124I]-PU-AD) showed proof-of-principle that epichaperomes can be imaged in patients, and this project adapts that approach to a fluorine-18 tracer for broader use.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiosis, Gabriela — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Chiosis, Gabriela
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.