Creating new imaging agents for studying brain receptors related to Alzheimer's disease

Development of 1,4-Benzodioxane Derivatives as F-18 PET Radiotracers for Alpha-2C Adrenergic Receptors and Their Preclinical Evaluations

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10987965

This study is working on creating new substances that can help doctors see specific brain receptors during PET scans, which could give us better insights into memory and thinking problems in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10987965 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new compounds that can be used as imaging agents in PET scans to visualize alpha-2C adrenergic receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters that affect memory and cognition, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By creating selective radiotracers, the research aims to improve our understanding of how these receptors function and their potential changes in Alzheimer's patients. The approach involves synthesizing new chemical derivatives and evaluating their effectiveness in preclinical models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to adrenergic receptor function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier detection and more targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing selective imaging agents for other receptor types, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.