Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can noninvasively measure the concentration of endogenous metabolites in the body and brain. Lower-concentration metabolites have weaker MR signals and therefore are more difficult to detect. Edited MRS simplifies the MR spectrum so that these weaker signals can be more easily quantified. However, usually only a single metabolite is edited, leading to multiple scans and longer examination times when targeting multiple low-concentration metabolites. This project involves the development and implementation of a highly optimized multiplexed editing technique, termed sLASER-HERCULES, for the simultaneous detection of up to 8 low-concentration brain metabolites in a single scan. The reproducibility of this approach will be rigorously assessed in vivo in a cohort of adult subjects. Additionally, software algorithms based on spatially resolved density-matrix simulations and advanced statistics will be developed for optimizing the acquisition parameters of this MRS technique to improve the reliable measurement of specific groups of editable metabolites detectable by sLASER-HERCULES. The technologies generated from this project will improve the efficiency of edited MRS and its applicability to clinical MR exams and will ultimately allow multiple hypotheses to be tested from biochemical measurements collected in a single scan. The candidate will undertake tuition and training in MR physics, MRS acquisition methodology, and pulse programming to successfully implement the sLASER-HERCULES sequence. The training and research proposed in this project will be undertaken in a highly supportive institutional environment, with extensive resources available for research and professional support. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art MR facilities and will be mentored by world leaders in MRS and MRI. The long-term career objective of the candidate is to establish himself as an independent early stage investigator with a complete repertoire of skills in MRS methodology and applications.
Edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to noninvasively measure low-concentration chemicals in the human brain, usually one chemical at a time. In this project, new technologies and software will be developed to measure multiple low-concentration chemicals simultaneously in a single scan. These developments will allow scientists and clinicians to study biochemicals important to human health more efficiently and reliably.
