Investigating brain metabolism using advanced MRI technology
Official title: Feasibility and reproducibility of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate human brain imaging on a new MRI scanner platform
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10988936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of MRI that helps us see how sugar is used in the brain, which could give us important information about brain aging and diseases, and it’s designed for people interested in understanding more about brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085245-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may be experiencing neurological disorders or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain metabolism or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a new imaging technique called hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate MRI, which allows for detailed observation of glucose metabolism in the brain. By using a specialized MRI scanner, the study aims to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of this method for understanding brain aging and neurodegeneration. The research will first test the imaging technique in a lab setting using a 3D-printed model that simulates human brain conditions, followed by evaluations in actual human subjects. This innovative approach could provide valuable insights into metabolic processes that are crucial for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic capabilities for brain diseases and better understanding of metabolic changes associated with neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While some prior research has utilized hyperpolarized 13C MRI, this specific approach on the Siemens platform is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Morze, Cornelius — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Von Morze, Cornelius
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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.