How brain fluid flow and reactive support cells relate to Alzheimer’s amyloid buildup
Imaging brain fluid dynamics in relation to reactive astrogliosis and cerebral amyloid accumulation
This project looks at whether changes in brain fluid flow and reactive support cells predict amyloid buildup in people across aging and the Alzheimer’s spectrum.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take part in advanced brain imaging using high-field MRI and PET to measure fluid movement, pulsatility tied to heartbeat and breathing, and signs of reactive astrocytes. The team will look at the water channel AQP4 and how its location and expression change near blood vessels, along with measures of cerebrovascular motion. They will compare these imaging markers with amyloid PET signals and follow changes over time to see which patterns come before amyloid accumulation. Most of the work is done at the University of Pittsburgh imaging facilities using noninvasive scans and standard safety procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults or people at risk for Alzheimer’s who can undergo MRI and PET scans and participate in follow-up imaging.
Not a fit: People who cannot tolerate or are medically ineligible for MRI or PET (for example due to implanted metal, severe claustrophobia, or advanced illness) may not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could allow earlier detection of impaired brain clearance that leads to amyloid buildup and help target prevention or treatment sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and postmortem studies support these mechanisms, but using in vivo human high-field MRI and PET to link fluid dynamics and astrocyte changes to future amyloid is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aizenstein, Howard J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Aizenstein, Howard J
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.