Mapping molecules linked to Alzheimer's and aging with advanced imaging
Elucidating Molecular Drivers of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease via Multimodal Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Researchers are mapping molecules in aging and Alzheimer's brain tissue with advanced imaging to reveal biological differences that could guide better tests and treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses multiple high-resolution imaging methods and mass spectrometry to create detailed molecular maps of human brain tissue from people with normal aging and with Alzheimer's disease. The team will compare molecules found in plaques, tangles, and other brain pathologies across the metabolome, lipidome, proteome, and transcriptome and tie those signals to specific cell types and microanatomical regions. Vanderbilt's mass spectrometry and imaging centers provide the tissue and instruments while computational partners analyze the complex spatial data. The resulting molecular atlases aim to explain why Alzheimer's looks different across people and point to targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, older adults with age-related cognitive changes, and individuals or families willing to donate brain tissue for research would be relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct therapeutic benefit should not expect personal medical improvement from participating in this laboratory-based tissue research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular markers and targets that lead to more precise diagnostics or treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mass spectrometry and molecular mapping studies have revealed important Alzheimer's-related molecules, but combining multiple spatial 'omics' in an integrated atlas is a relatively new and advancing approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spraggins, Jeffrey M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Spraggins, Jeffrey M
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.