Zhongliang Zu, PhD, Research Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, has received a one-year R21 grant from the National Institute on Aging for $275,405 to fund his project, “Development of an Innovative Non-Invasive MR Imaging Technique for Assessing Membrane Lipids and Their Properties in Alzheimer’s Disease.”
As Dr. Zu explains, cell membrane lipid properties, including lipid composition and fluidity, play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The goal of his new project is to develop a non-invasive imaging method capable of monitoring changes in these lipid properties within the brain. Currently, there is a lack of non-invasive methods for detecting membrane lipids in live tissues.
“Such a method would enhance our understanding of their role, advance therapeutic strategies, and aid in facilitating early diagnosis,” Dr. Zu says. “Our project aims to develop a novel MRI technique using a nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) saturation transfer technique for detecting membrane lipids and their properties."
He continues: "Additionally, we aim to explore its potential application in early Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis. This innovation could revolutionize our approach to AD.”
