Using PET imaging to study glutamate receptor signaling in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: PET imaging of ionotropic glutamate receptor signaling in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10746853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging tool that uses a special tracer to help track how Alzheimer's disease is changing in the brain and to see if new treatments are working, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat the condition for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080262-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of dementia or cognitive impairments unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive imaging tool to assess the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the effectiveness of potential therapies. It utilizes a specific PET tracer, [11C]Me-NB1, which targets a particular subunit of glutamate receptors that are implicated in neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in AD. By mapping the activity of these receptors, the research aims to provide insights into the disease's progression and help in the discovery of new treatments. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies based on the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using PET imaging for similar purposes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Steven H — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Steven H
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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.