Imaging a receptor involved in Alzheimer's disease using a new PET tracer
Official title: Developing novel PET radioligands to image GPR39 in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10974086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to see a specific brain receptor related to Alzheimer's disease, which could help us understand how zinc influences brain health and lead to better treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089125-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel PET radiotracer to visualize the GPR39 receptor in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. By using this imaging technique, researchers aim to better understand how zinc affects GPR39 signaling and its role in neurodegenerative symptoms. The study will involve testing the radiotracer in both rodent models and human brain tissues to assess its effectiveness in measuring GPR39 levels. This approach could lead to improved methods for evaluating new treatments targeting GPR39 in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for Alzheimer's disease by providing insights into GPR39's role in the condition.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using PET imaging for receptor visualization is established, the specific focus on GPR39 in Alzheimer's disease represents a novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solingapuram Sai, Kiran — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Solingapuram Sai, Kiran
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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.