Developing a new imaging tool for brain receptors involved in neurological diseases
Official title: Subtype-Selective Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor PET Ligands
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10825548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new imaging tool to help doctors see how a specific brain receptor, important for protecting nerve cells, is working in people with conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which could lead to better treatments for these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $770,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R61NS130128-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not diagnosed with any central nervous system disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel positron emission tomography (PET) ligand that targets the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), which plays a crucial role in regulating glutamate release and protecting neurons. By using PET imaging, the study aims to visualize and quantify mGluR2 activity in living brains, which could enhance our understanding of various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The approach involves developing a ligand that can effectively bind to mGluR2, allowing researchers to assess the receptor's distribution and response to potential neurotherapeutics. This could lead to better-targeted treatments for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts to develop imaging tools for mGluR2, this specific approach is novel and has not been successfully demonstrated in humans before.
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.