Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) as a non-invasive imaging biomarker for predicting neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
A long-term objective of our research is to establish QSM as a noninvasive MRI marker for predicting neurodegeneration in AD. Our scientific premise is that QSM can measure iron overload involved in AD progression. We propose to establish QSM as an MRI marker for predicting neurodegeneration ex vivo using AD brain tissue pathology, and in vivo by correlating QSM with neurodegeneration measured...
Rapid non-invasive whole-body imaging of gene transfer vectors
Award or Grant: National Institutes of Health (NIH), R01 EB027918The goal of this project is to develop noninvasive, safe, temporal monitoring of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) biodistribution following in vivo administration that can be ultimately used in humans. The lab’s strategy is to covalently radioiodinate AAV capsids using the positron emitting isotope iodine (I)-124, and to track...
Assessment of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) volumetrics and kinetics for drug delivery
Delivery of various drugs in both intrathecal and intracisternal spaces are being used to treat a myriad of diseases. Knowledge of the rate of drug delivery to each region in the brain via the CSF space may be estimated by using MRI. Our lab published the first time course results of intrathecal gadolinium uptake in CSF and brain regions in normal control subjects using high resolution MRI. In...
Pharmacokinetic PET modeling of 18F-BPA-fructose in glioblastoma multiforme in BNCT
Dr. Dyke’s Ph.D. work focused on compartmental modeling of a novel tumor- specific PET tracer used for dose planning of radiation therapy. He implemented novel pharmacokinetic compartmental model fitting of metabolic uptake of this tracer in subjects presenting with glioblastoma multiforme brain tumors prior to therapy. Uptake results were used to produce dose treatment plans prior to a novel...
Multiple sclerosis lesion magnetic susceptibility activity
The long-term objective of this project is to improve the ability to monitor inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in multiple sclerosis (MS) for effective diagnosis and treatment. The specific goal: to establish the time course of magnetic susceptibility of lesions as a sensitive probe of demyelination and iron content associated with inflammatory processes. Currently, gadolinium...
Quantitative methods for preclinical Ac-225 imaging
Award or Grant: Radiology/Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center Pilot AwardIt is well documented that molecularly targeted radiotherapy, such as pre-targeted radioimmunotherapy, can be optimized on a patient-specific basis with pre-therapeutic imaging and dosimetry. This can be carried out with theranostic isotopes such as the beta/gamma emitter lutetium (Lu)-177, or with therapeutic isotopes in...
Rapid noninvasive whole-body imaging of AAV gene transfer vectors
Award or Grant: National Institutes of Health (NIH) (R01) EB027918Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a widely used vector for gene delivery. Its in vivo distribution, though, has not been well characterized, as most studies are based on rodent biopsy or necropsy data. The distribution is also dependent on route of administration and pre-existing immunity. The goal of this project was to develop an...
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging for the study of normal pressure hydrocephalus
In this research project, the Kovanlikaya group used advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), arterial spin labeling (ASL), phase contrast cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow measurement, and structural volumetric MRI to develop quantitative criteria to diagnose normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients more precisely.
Normative data from advanced MR techniques of the brain
The aim of this project was to establish a standard normative database of advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, including but not limited to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MR perfusion, and 3D volumetric studies to use for diagnostic and clinical research on the aging adult brain and/or various disease states. This project will also ensure ongoing comparability (i.e., quality assurance (...
DTI fiber tractography identifying the thalamic ventralposterolateral nucleus
The purpose of this project was to preoperatively identify the thalamic ventroposterolateral nucleus by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-fiber tractography and confirm it intraoperatively. A variety of pain syndromes have been treated successfully with deep brain stimulation (DBS) by targeting the thalamic ventroposterolateral (VPL) nucleus. We found that DTI has the potential to identify the...