Scarring of brain support cells (astrogliosis) in aging and Alzheimer's
The role of astrogliosis in aging and the pathological and clinical progression of Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are using a new brain scan tracer to see how scarring of support cells in older adults' brains relates to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked about your thinking and memory, give blood, and have brain scans to look for signs of astrogliosis, a scarring-like reaction of astrocyte support cells. The team will use a new PET tracer called SMBT-1 that binds to MAO-B to image astrogliosis alongside amyloid and tau imaging and blood biomarkers. The program includes four linked projects to find whether astrogliosis comes before, follows, or worsens amyloid and tau changes and how it ties to symptoms and risk factors. Participants will have regular follow-up visits and scans to track changes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults — including people with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or early Alzheimer's — who can undergo PET scans, blood draws, and clinic visits.
Not a fit: People with very advanced dementia, medical conditions that prevent PET imaging, or those unable to travel to the study center are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could allow earlier detection of harmful brain inflammation and point to ways to slow or prevent Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous PET tracers that target astrocyte activity have shown promising signals, but using SMBT-1 and this coordinated program is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Ann D. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Ann D.
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.