High-resolution imaging of tiny brain synapses
Super-Resolution Microscopy of Neuronal Synapses with Advanced Imaging Tools
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11181504
Researchers are using advanced microscopes to look closely at tiny receptor proteins at brain synapses to better understand how Alzheimer's and related diseases develop.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181504 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
They will use several super-resolution imaging techniques and tiny fluorescent probes to map where AMPA and NMDA receptor proteins sit and how they move inside synapses in three dimensions. The work will be done on high-detail lab samples (neurons and brain tissue) to confirm surprising earlier findings about receptor placement and movement during memory-related processes. The team will compare different imaging methods and probe sizes to make sure the measurements are accurate. The goal is to reveal nanoscale synapse changes that may contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are willing to donate tissue or biological samples or to participate in related translational imaging efforts.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s symptoms or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory imaging research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pinpoint synapse-level changes that lead to memory loss and help identify new targets for Alzheimer's treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies using super-resolution microscopy have provided important insights into synapse biology, but applying multiple 3D techniques to Alzheimer's-related receptor behavior is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SELVIN, PAUL R — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: SELVIN, PAUL R
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease