Advanced MRI for Understanding Brain Metabolism
Feasibility and reproducibility of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate human brain imaging on a new MRI scanner platform
This project aims to make a special type of MRI available on more scanners to help us better understand how the brain uses energy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to adapt a unique MRI technique, called hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate MRI, for use on a widely available type of scanner. This advanced imaging method allows us to see how glucose, a sugar, is processed in the brain, which is important for understanding brain aging and conditions like neurodegeneration. By making this technology more accessible, we hope to gain new insights into brain health. The initial steps involve testing the method in a lab setting before moving to human studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for adult humans, specifically those 21 years and older, who might participate in future imaging studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or diagnosis for a specific condition may not directly benefit from this foundational technology development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to detect and understand brain conditions by providing a clearer picture of brain metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: While similar hyperpolarized 13C imaging has been done on other MRI systems, this project is pioneering its use with specific advanced techniques on a new scanner platform for brain imaging.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Morze, Cornelius — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Von Morze, Cornelius
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.