Imaging signs of brain inflammation in Alzheimer's
Novel imaging biomarkers of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Using a specialized MRI approach with a safe labeled acetate tracer, researchers want to track inflammation in the brains of people with early Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop advanced magnetic resonance methods (deuterium-MRS and a quantitative exchanged-label-turnover MRS) that follow how astrocytes use a deuterium-labeled acetate tracer over time. They will first test the approach in models of reactive astrocytes to confirm the signal relates to astrocyte inflammation and acetate metabolism. After method optimization, the team will apply the scans in people with early-stage Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment to look for inflammation signals and compare them to brain glucose metabolism and other disease markers. The work focuses on noninvasive imaging so people can have repeated scans to track changes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are willing to undergo specialized MRI scans and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those with very advanced dementia who cannot tolerate MRI scans are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these scans could help detect or monitor brain inflammation earlier and guide treatments that target neuroinflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Other imaging methods like inflammation-targeted PET and FDG-PET have shown inflammation and metabolic changes in Alzheimer's, but using deuterium-labeled acetate with these MRS techniques is a newer and less-tested approach in people.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haris, Mohammad — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Haris, Mohammad
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.