Understanding Brain Inflammation and Stress in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
PET and MRI Evaluation of Cerebral Inflammation and Metabolic Stress in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
This project looks at brain inflammation and metabolic stress in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis using special imaging techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122234 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, often leading to disability in young adults. While current treatments help reduce relapses, many patients still develop progressive MS, where disability worsens over time. This happens due to nerve damage, which starts early and is not fully understood. This project uses advanced PET and MRI scans to look for hidden inflammation and metabolic stress in the brain, which might contribute to this nerve damage. We will use a new imaging agent to detect inflammation and another to measure metabolic activity, hoping to better understand what drives MS progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who are interested in participating in advanced brain imaging may be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions or those not diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a better understanding of why MS progresses, potentially helping to develop new treatments that target nerve damage and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific imaging agent is novel, the pathway it targets (S1PR1) is already known to be important in MS, with several FDA-approved medications working on this pathway.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brier, Matthew Ryan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Brier, Matthew Ryan
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.