Developing new sensors to monitor brain activity using MRI without metals
Official title: Metal-free, genetically encoded reporters for calcium recording with MRI
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11045067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to see how brain cells communicate by using special sensors that can track calcium signals, which could help scientists understand how our experiences shape our behavior, all without using metal-based tools.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128278-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in understanding brain function and activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal activity or those who are not eligible for MRI procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative genetic sensors that can visualize calcium signals in the brain using MRI technology. By utilizing aquaporins, which are water channels, the researchers aim to develop a method that allows for brain-wide monitoring of neuronal activity without the need for metal-based contrast agents. This approach will enable scientists to study how neurons encode experiences and modify behaviors in living animals, providing insights into brain function and health. The project involves constructing a synthetic multi-gene cluster to enhance the sensitivity and effectiveness of these sensors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advanced methods for monitoring brain activity, improving our understanding of neurological conditions and potentially guiding new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar genetic sensor approaches in neuroscience, but this specific method using aquaporins is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mukherjee, Arnab — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Mukherjee, Arnab
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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.