The overarching aim of this proposal is to develop and disseminate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools to identify and characterize neuronal microstructure in small animals. MRI is an ideal modality for such studies because it can be applied non-invasively in vivo or non-destructively ex vivo, and can provide 3D evaluation across the entire brain. We will develop and test standardized MRI pulse sequences across multiple vendor platforms and develop an easily produced and standardized quality-assurance phantom and associated imaging protocol. Automated and optimized image reconstruction and quantitative microstructural parameter mapping software will be developed and disseminated as open source. A rigorous algorithmic framework for planning statistically-optimized, multi-objective imaging protocols will be developed and implemented in open source multi-platform software. A series of experimental studies will establish probabilistic volumes of a variety of neuronal microstructural property maps in normal and abnormal rat and mouse brains, along with quantitatively evaluated histology of select cerebral white matter regions. Throughout the project, novel MRI methods will be developed and tested, a variety of state-of-the-art methods will be standardized and optimized, and comparisons of MRI data with histology will offer novel insights in the micro anatomical basis of MRI contrast in white matter.

Public Health Relevance

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful research tool for studying neuronal microstructure in small animal models of human disease/injury; however, the utilization of many MRI methods has been limited by local availability of suitable expertise to design and implement the imaging protocols. This proposal aims to break down technical barriers and develop novel and state-of-the-art standardized tools to permit MRI for routine use in the study of small animal neuronal microstructure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EB019980-03
Application #
9386750
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Liu, Guoying
Project Start
2015-12-01
Project End
2019-11-30
Budget Start
2017-12-01
Budget End
2018-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Biomed Engr/Col Engr/Engr Sta
DUNS #
965717143
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37240
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