Investigating epigenetic changes in Lewy body dementias using a new imaging technique
Official title: Imaging epigenetic dysregulation in the Lewy body dementias with [11C]Martinostat
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11076748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in the brain's genetic material might affect memory and movement problems in people with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease, using a special imaging tool to see these changes in real time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $814,349 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082331-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Lewy body pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how epigenetic changes, which are modifications to the genome that do not alter the DNA sequence, may contribute to Lewy body dementias and Parkinson's disease. By using a novel imaging agent called [11C]Martinostat, researchers aim to visualize and assess the levels of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the brains of living patients. This approach will help determine how these epigenetic changes relate to the progression of cognitive and motor impairments in these conditions. The study seeks to clarify whether the changes in HDAC expression differ between dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatments for Lewy body dementias and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of imaging techniques to study epigenetic changes is relatively novel, there is growing interest and preliminary success in similar approaches in other neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomperts, Stephen N. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gomperts, Stephen N.
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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.