PET imaging of the GluN2B brain receptor linked to Alzheimer's
Translation of GluN2B-selective PET radiopharmaceuticals in Alzheimers patients
This project uses a new PET tracer, [11C]Me-NB1, to help doctors see GluN2B receptor changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093378 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will translate a PET tracer called [11C]Me-NB1 that binds the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor from preclinical models into people with Alzheimer's. Participants will have non-invasive PET scans along with cognitive and biomarker tests so researchers can compare GluN2B signals with clinical status and other markers. The work links findings from AD mouse models to human imaging to understand how GluN2B relates to synaptic dysfunction and disease progression. Overall, the approach aims to create a translatable imaging tool to support drug development and to monitor target engagement in therapeutic trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's who can tolerate PET imaging and travel to the study site would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease, those with other types of dementia, pregnant individuals, or anyone unable to undergo PET scans would not be expected to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clinicians a way to track a synaptic receptor tied to memory loss and help show whether new Alzheimer drugs reach their intended target.
How similar studies have performed: PET imaging of amyloid and tau in Alzheimer's has been successful, but GluN2B-selective PET tracers are a newer approach that is only recently being translated to humans.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Steven H — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Steven H
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.