Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
Official title: Integrated MRI Biomarkers of Atrophy and Iron Dysregulation in Multiple System Atrophy
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11428110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $444,336 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS150249-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with suspected or confirmed multiple system atrophy undergoing MRI as part of clinical assessment or research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not diagnosed with MSA or those without access to MRI-based biomarker testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
The study aims to create and validate MRI-based biomarkers that combine brain atrophy and iron changes to improve early and accurate diagnosis of MSA. By standardizing biomarker measurements, researchers hope to better select patients for future therapies and monitor responses over time. The approach involves advanced imaging analyses and validation against clinical features in people with MSA. The goal is to make these biomarkers widely available to support clinical trials and routine care for patients with this rare disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with MSA could receive more accurate diagnoses earlier and have clearer options for monitoring disease progression and trial eligibility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown imaging biomarkers can reflect MSA-related brain changes, and this project builds on those findings with integrated markers and validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trujillo Diaz, Paula — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Trujillo Diaz, Paula
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
-
Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
-
Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
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Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
-
Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
-
Identifying biomarkers for multiple system atrophy using gene expression analysis
This study is looking at how multiple system atrophy (MSA) affects brain cells by examining changes in their genes, and it aims to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition, with opportunities for patients to help by sharing samples.
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.