Imaging a brain protein (BET‑BD1) linked to Alzheimer's
BET-BD1 Selective Neuroimaging probes for Alzheimer's disease research
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11457081
This project is developing a new PET brain scan tracer to show a protein called BET‑BD1 that may play a role in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11457081 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are designing and testing chemical tracers that stick to the BET‑BD1 protein in the brain so it can be seen with PET scans. They will first test how the tracers behave in the lab and in animals, then run safety and regulatory (IND‑enabling) studies needed to try the tracer in people. The team also plans to use the tracer to compare brains with and without Alzheimer's changes and to check whether BET‑targeting drugs actually reach their target. If the tracer clears safety steps, people may be invited to imaging visits at a clinical site to gather initial human data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would likely include older adults with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment and age-matched healthy volunteers for comparison.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or cure may not benefit because the project focuses on developing an imaging tool and early‑phase testing rather than providing a therapeutic intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors and researchers see BET‑BD1 in living brains to help diagnose or track Alzheimer's-related biology and to tell whether BET‑targeting drugs reach their brain target.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively novel: related BET inhibitors have been studied and some were radiolabeled, but there are currently no validated PET tracers for BET‑BD1 in the human brain.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, CHANGNING — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WANG, CHANGNING
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