Creating new imaging agents for studying brain receptors related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Development of 1,4-Benzodioxane Derivatives as F-18 PET Radiotracers for Alpha-2C Adrenergic Receptors and Their Preclinical Evaluations
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10987965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,402 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083663-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to adrenergic receptor function may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kil, Kun-Eek — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Kil, Kun-Eek
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.