New imaging technique to study brain circuits involved in behavior
Official title: Whole brain, PET-based molecular neuroimaging of fos expression – a new tool for imaging neurocircuitry involved in complex behavior
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11118075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to take pictures of the brain while it's awake to see how different parts work together during activities and thinking, helping us learn more about how the brain functions normally and what might go wrong in certain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142826-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions that affect cognitive and behavioral functions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural circuitry or those who are not suitable for imaging studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel PET-based molecular neuroimaging technique designed to visualize and measure the activity of neural circuits in the brain of awake mammals. By using a specific molecular probe that targets neuronal activity, the study aims to identify how different brain circuits interact during complex behaviors and cognitive tasks. This non-invasive approach allows for repeated imaging, providing insights into both normal brain function and conditions that may disrupt these processes. The goal is to enhance our understanding of the brain's dynamic processing of information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and disorders, potentially improving treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar neuroimaging techniques have shown promise in understanding brain function, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Erik — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Erik
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Keloid recurrence study using multi-omics in diverse patients
A research effort will look at why keloids come back after surgery, especially in African American patients, using comprehensive molecular data from patient samples.
-
A national program to build a precise, personalized health data platform for all of us participants
This grant supports expanding and improving a national health data platform to help tailor care to each person using their genetic, health, and lifestyle information.
-
Computational modeling of female hormone balance and drug responses
A new computational model uses patient-like data to predict how metabolic drugs will work in women across their hormonal cycles and different reproductive stages.
-
Anti-CD38 immunotherapy for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
A new treatment using anti-CD38 therapy is being tested for people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded to prior therapies.
-
Vitamin D, gut bacteria and dementia risk in older adults with HIV
This work will look at whether low vitamin D and changes in gut bacteria are linked to higher dementia risk in older adults living with chronic HIV and similar community members.
-
Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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.