Creating new imaging tools to study ACE2 in COVID-19 patients
Development and Evaluation of Radiotracers for PET Imaging Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)
This study is looking at new ways to use special imaging to see how a protein called ACE2 behaves in people with COVID-19, which could help us understand how heart treatments might affect their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wilmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10612920 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and evaluating new radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is crucial for understanding COVID-19 infections. By synthesizing fluorine-18 labeled compounds, the study aims to visualize ACE2 levels in the body, particularly in patients affected by COVID-19. This could help clarify how existing treatments for cardiovascular diseases might influence COVID-19 outcomes. The research will involve advanced imaging techniques to assess ACE2 distribution and expression in various patient populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults with cardiovascular diseases or other comorbidities who are at risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Not a fit: Patients without cardiovascular diseases or those who are not affected by COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of COVID-19, particularly for patients with pre-existing conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to study ACE2, but this specific approach with new radiotracers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Wilmington, United States
- Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware — Wilmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yue, Xuyi — Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware
- Study coordinator: Yue, Xuyi
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.