Developing imaging agents for detecting alpha-synuclein in Multiple System Atrophy
Official title: Imaging Ligands for Alpha-Synuclein Fibril Accumulation in Multiple System Atrophy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10581664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a special imaging tool that can help doctors see the buildup of a protein linked to Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in the brain, which could lead to better diagnosis and understanding of the disease for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS123860-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10581664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy or those exhibiting symptoms consistent with this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders that do not involve alpha-synuclein accumulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a PET imaging agent that can visualize the accumulation of alpha-synuclein fibrils in patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). By screening various compounds for their ability to bind to these fibrils, the study aims to identify potential leads for a diagnostic tool that can accurately assess disease progression and improve diagnosis. The approach involves both in vitro testing and analysis of postmortem brain tissue to ensure specificity for MSA-related fibrils. If successful, this imaging agent could significantly enhance the understanding and management of MSA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and monitoring of disease progression in patients with Multiple System Atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing imaging agents for similar neurodegenerative conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotzbauer, Paul T — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kotzbauer, Paul T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
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Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
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Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
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Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
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Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
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.