Developing advanced imaging tools to assess brain energy metabolism in health and disease
Official title: Establishing translational neuroimaging tools for quantitative assessment of energy metabolism and metabolic reprogramming in healthy and diseased human brain at 7T
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11099674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to see how the brain uses energy, especially in people with aging or brain diseases, to help us understand their health better and find new ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $621,987 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133006-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing aging-related cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, or other brain disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute brain injuries or those not experiencing metabolic changes in the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative neuroimaging techniques to measure how the brain uses energy, particularly through the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the project aims to noninvasively evaluate brain metabolism in various conditions, including aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The goal is to enhance our understanding of energy metabolism changes in the brain, which could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Patients may be monitored for changes in brain energy metabolism, providing insights into their health status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for brain-related conditions by providing a clearer understanding of energy metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for assessing brain metabolism, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Wei — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chen, Wei
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.