MRI-based map of oxygen use in MS patients
Official title: MRI-Based Quantitative Mapping of Oxygen Extraction Fraction in MS
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11517235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new MRI method to measure how brain tissue in people with multiple sclerosis uses oxygen, which could help track disease activity and progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $309,549 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS136369-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11517235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with multiple sclerosis or signs of brain involvement who can undergo MRI and comply with imaging sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MS or without the ability to participate in advanced MRI protocols may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and apply a quantitative MRI technique to map oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) in adults with multiple sclerosis, a key step toward better metabolic biomarkers. By correlating qmOEF with MS lesions and neurodegenerative changes, the study seeks to provide actionable information about tissue viability and prognosis. The team will compare qmOEF measurements with current imaging markers to determine feasibility for routine clinical use, with patient safety and comfort kept central. If successful, this could improve monitoring and guide future therapies for MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with MS could receive more sensitive imaging biomarkers that help track disease activity and guide treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests qmOEF can reflect metabolic changes in brain tissue, but routine clinical qmoEF imaging is not yet standard and requires further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Junghun — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Junghun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HLA-F and KIR3DS1: unlocking NK cell help to control HIV
A short, patient-friendly look at how a specific immune interaction might help the body control HIV and reduce long-term health problems.
-
Emerging therapies for rare maternal mitochondrial diseases with shared causes
A basket clinical trial will test new drug candidates for two ultra-rare mitochondrial diseases (MELAS and LHON-Plus) that share the same underlying energy-making problem in people who could be affected.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine for liver fluke infection and bile duct cancer
A vaccine approach aims to stop liver fluke interactions with the human bile ducts to prevent bile duct cancer in regions where the parasite is common.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during liver fluke infection
A vaccine approach aims to block how a liver fluke parasite communicates with the human liver to prevent bile duct cancer in people in Southeast Asia.
-
Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
-
Ultrasensitive antibody-detection method to screen HIV-bNAbs
A new, ultra-sensitive test will help identify which broadly neutralizing antibodies can best block HIV-1 in people, by quickly checking how well these antibodies interact with the virus in patient-derived samples.
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.