SMBT-1 PET imaging of astrocyte inflammation in Alzheimer's
Neuropathological correlates of the SMBT-1 PET ligand for imaging astrogliosis in Alzheimer's disease
This project uses a new PET tracer called SMBT-1 to image astrocyte-related inflammation in people with 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-11078810 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are testing whether a new brain scan tracer (SMBT-1) can highlight astrocyte-related inflammation linked to Alzheimer's. They will compare SMBT-1 binding on donated postmortem brain tissue with established markers like MAO-B and GFAP and with amyloid and tau pathology. The team will use autoradiography, a fluorescent form of SMBT-1, analyses of frozen brain samples, and relate those findings to PET scans done while participants were alive. The work aims to map where SMBT-1 binds and how it matches known Alzheimer's changes in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Alzheimer's disease who are willing to undergo PET imaging with SMBT-1 (and amyloid/tau scans) and to donate their brain for postmortem study.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment benefit or those unwilling/unable to have PET scans or to arrange brain donation are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If validated, SMBT-1 could give doctors a clearer imaging marker of astrocyte-related inflammation in Alzheimer's, helping diagnose and track disease changes more precisely.
How similar studies have performed: Other MAO-B–targeting PET tracers have shown promise linking imaging to astrocyte markers, but SMBT-1 is a newer ligand that needs postmortem confirmation of its specificity and regional patterns.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ikonomovic, Milos D — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ikonomovic, Milos 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.