Developing a new imaging tool for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Subtype-selective phosphodiesterase PET ligands
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10992117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to see how a specific enzyme related to Alzheimer's disease behaves in the brain, which could help us understand the disease better and find new treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,147 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079956-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel PET ligand that targets the enzyme PDE7, which plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease by modulating immune and inflammatory responses. By using positron emission tomography (PET), the study aims to visualize and quantify PDE7 activity in the living brain, providing insights into its role in Alzheimer's pathology. The approach involves developing a specific ligand that can effectively bind to PDE7, allowing researchers to assess the distribution and engagement of potential new treatments for Alzheimer's. This could lead to better understanding and management of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts to develop imaging tools for PDE7, this specific approach is novel and has not yet been successfully demonstrated in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Steven H — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Steven H
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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.