Measuring new brain cell growth with MR spectroscopy
Using MR Spectroscopy to Measure Mammalian Neurogenesis in Vivo
This project uses a special MRI spectroscopy technique to detect new brain cell growth in adults, including people with aging-related memory problems and Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are refining a non-invasive MRI spectroscopy method that picks up a lipid signal linked to newborn neurons (the 1.28 ppm marker) to measure hippocampal neurogenesis in living mammals and humans. The team will apply and validate this signal in adults, compare signals across ages and in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, and relate imaging findings to prior animal and tissue data. The work builds on earlier lab and animal studies and aims to adapt the scanning method for use at clinical imaging centers. If successful, it would let clinicians observe and track new neuron formation over time without surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older, particularly older adults and people with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people under 21, and individuals who cannot undergo MRI (for example because of incompatible implants) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A reliable, noninvasive measure of new neuron growth could let doctors monitor brain repair and speed development of treatments for aging-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and prior work by this research group identified the 1.28 ppm MRS signal, but applying and validating it in living humans remains novel and debated.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maletic-Savatic, Mirjana — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maletic-Savatic, Mirjana
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.