DNA-based NIR-II imaging probes reveal ionic activity in the mouse brain
Official title: DNA-TEMPLATED NIR-II POTASSIUM REPORTERS FOR NONINVASIVE IMAGING OF IONIC ACTIVITY IN DEEP TISSUE
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11378593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new noninvasive imaging tool uses DNA-templated probes to visualize brain ionic changes in mice with deep tissue access and high contrast.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $537,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB037718-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or animal models where noninvasive brain activity mapping would inform diagnosis or treatment planning for neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefit to human patients is not immediate since this work is in mice, but foundational tools may inform future human imaging approaches.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a noninvasive imaging toolkit that maps ionic activity in the mouse brain using a voltage-sensing nanoprobe built from indocyanine green and a quencher on DNA nanoparticles. The approach leverages near-infrared II light for low background and deep penetration, along with precise nano-engineering for bright, stable signals. Researchers will pursue cell-specific targeting by attaching peptides, aptamers, or antibodies to the DNA nanoparticles, enabling selective imaging of neuronal activity. Collaboration with industry partners will help validate the imaging system’s multi-scale capabilities, from cellular to whole-animal levels. Over five years, the project plans iterative development, optimization, and in vivo testing in mice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could allow scientists and clinicians to observe brain ionic activity in real time noninvasively, advancing understanding of neurological function and disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in NIR-II imaging and voltage-sensitive probes suggests this approach is promising, with translational steps still ahead.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cressman, John Rob — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Cressman, John Rob
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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.