D-Glutamine PET for Early Detection and Precision Treatment of Orthopedic Implant Infection
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11357919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new PET imaging approach using a D-glutamine tracer is being tested to quickly and accurately detect infections around orthopedic implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,976 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR087615-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with suspected orthopedic implant infections or those undergoing diagnostic imaging studies related to bone infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected implant infection or imaging needs may not benefit from this tracer.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how we find infections around bone implants by using a specialized PET tracer based on D-glutamine. Researchers will compare three carbon-11 labeled D-amino acids in the lab and in animals to see which best highlights bacteria causing implant infections. The study will explore how well the tracer distinguishes infection from inflammation and how it could guide targeted treatments. The work involves collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington and focuses on translating promising results toward clinical use. If successful, it could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of implant infections in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive faster and more accurate diagnosis and more precise treatment for implant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show differential bacterial uptake of DAA tracers and suggest potential broad applicability, with further validation needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Liping — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Tang, Liping
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.