Professor Matthews will lead the project titled: Multi-modal imaging correlates of Astroglial activation, β-amyloid deposition and neuronal activity as markers of cognitive impairment in AD.
This pilot study will characterise the brain uptake of the novel astroglial activation imaging marker, [11C]BU99008, in AD subjects compared to non-AD control subjects. Relationships between [11C]BU99008 brain uptake, Aβ deposition and brain glucose metabolism will also explore how multi-modal imaging indices may inform further research.
Professor Matthews said “The DPUK Framework made this Experimental Medicine study possible by providing scanning resources, leveraging expertise across multiple institutions and setting up a cohort structure that will add value to it. The study itself will move forward a UK-led discovery effort for a new biomarker that promises to be important across a number of neurodegenerative diseases. It promises real potential for an important methodological advance.”
The award includes £21,000 from DPUK which is supplemented by significant collaborative working (Imperial, Kings College London & the Imanova Clinical Imaging Centre) with in-kind contributions covering PET and MRI scan costs provided by DPUK industry partner – GSK.
Dr Paul Wren, Senior Director, Clinical Development, GSK said “GSK are pleased to be able to support this collaborative multi-modal imaging EM project. Exploring diverse neuro-imaging signals of disease in the human living brain through the DPUK imaging network will help us all to understand the Dementias more.”