Mapping metabolic and lipid changes in Alzheimer's brains
Imaging Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic Analysis of the Alzheimer's Brain
Researchers are using advanced imaging that shows chemicals and fats in brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's to pinpoint changes linked to inflammation and cell damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091658 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, this project will use imaging mass spectrometry to make detailed maps of metabolites and lipids in donated brain tissue, showing where chemical changes occur. The team focuses on how immune cells (microglia) and support cells (astrocytes) switch to inflammatory, neurotoxic states and how that ties to shifts in energy use and lipid release from APOE/APOJ. They compare affected and unaffected brain regions to find patterns that may explain why neurons die and to identify potential biomarkers. The work pairs human tissue mapping with laboratory models to link the chemical maps to specific cellular mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Alzheimer's (or their families) who can donate brain tissue after death or enroll in related tissue-collection or observational components.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this basic tissue-mapping project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal chemical markers or pathways to guide new tests or treatments that protect brain cells in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown microglia-driven reactive astrocytes can harm neurons and early imaging mass spectrometry studies have mapped some chemical changes in Alzheimer's tissue, but combining large-scale metabolomic imaging with lipid and cell-type analysis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dawson, Valina L. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Dawson, Valina L.
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.