MRI method to see harmful glycogen clumps in the brain
Non-Invasive Imaging of Neurological Glycogen Storage Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER · NIH-11307609
A new MRI approach to find and follow harmful glycogen clumps called Lafora bodies in people with Lafora disease, especially children and teens.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a special MRI signal called glycoNOE that can highlight glycogen in tissues so it can be seen without surgery. They previously showed this method can measure liver glycogen and will now test it in Lafora disease mice to image muscle and brain. The team plans to turn those findings into a quantitative MRI test that reports how many Lafora bodies are present and whether a treatment is reducing them. If successful, the method could be carried forward to human scans to track disease progression and treatment effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Lafora disease, typically children or adolescents who develop epilepsy in late childhood, would be the intended candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without Lafora disease or those in very advanced stages where imaging changes wouldn't alter care are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could give patients a safe, non-invasive way to see disease burden and track whether treatments are working.
How similar studies have performed: The glycoNOE MRI method has been shown to measure liver glycogen with a clear correlation to concentration, but applying it to detect brain Lafora bodies is novel.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YADAV, NIRBHAY NARAYAN — HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER
- Study coordinator: YADAV, NIRBHAY NARAYAN
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.
Conditions: Animal Diseases