Using advanced MRI techniques to observe myelin repair in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Imaging remyelination in multiple sclerosis using metabolic and ultra-short echo time MRI
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11038960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to use MRI scans to see how well the brain is healing its protective covering in people with multiple sclerosis, helping us understand how treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140935-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are experiencing demyelination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions unrelated to demyelination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive imaging methods to monitor the repair of myelin sheaths in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). By utilizing innovative techniques like hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and ultra-short echo time imaging, the study aims to track metabolic changes associated with remyelination. This could provide valuable insights into how effectively the brain is repairing itself in response to treatment. Patients may undergo MRI scans to help researchers understand the dynamics of myelin repair over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring of treatment responses in multiple sclerosis, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of techniques used in this research is novel, similar imaging approaches have shown promise in other studies focused on neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guglielmetti, Caroline — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Guglielmetti, Caroline
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
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-
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A new MRI-based method will non-invasively measure how the brain uses glucose and ketones in people with multiple sclerosis.
-
Astrocyte exosomes as aging biomarkers and drivers of MS progression
Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
-
Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
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Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
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.