Tracking gene expression in mouse brains using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Longitudinal MRI imaging of clock gene expression in mice brains
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11139367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to take pictures of how genes work in the brains of living mice, especially those that help control our body clocks, to better understand brain health and improve treatments for neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088596-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with neurological disorders, particularly those related to gene expression abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene expression or those not affected by neurological disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging technique called optical MRI (oMRI) to visualize gene expression patterns in the brains of living mice. By combining the strengths of bioluminescent imaging and traditional MRI, the study aims to provide detailed insights into how specific genes, particularly those related to circadian rhythms, are expressed over time. This approach could enhance our understanding of neurological disorders and lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The research will focus on imaging rhythmic clock gene expression, which is crucial for brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and therapies for neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of MRI for brain imaging is well-established, the specific combination of optical and MRI techniques in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Nan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Nan
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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.