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Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchersin AD/ADRD Research

Award Number: R03AG098231
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchersin AD/ADRD Research - Project Summary The objectives of this proposal are to optimize and validate detection and modeling of the multicomponent vascular and glymphatic systems in cerebral waste clearance (CWC) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI, SPIO-SWI), and then to investigate CWC in the vascular and glymphatic systems during progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Emerging data indicate that the waste clearance from the brain parenchyma plays an important role in neurological diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases. CWC is closely related to alterations in small blood and perivascular spaces of the brain. The glymphatic system and its peri-vascular pathway for waste clearance have been shown to be sensitive biomarkers for neurological diseases. Despite many milestone achievements, conclusive findings on the brain waste clearance relationships among the blood and perivascular spaces and their contributions to AD are absent. To date, CWC changes in the vascular and glymphatic systems and the outcomes during disease development as well as their relationships have not been investigated, which could provide mechanistic information about β- amyloid (Aβ) status during progression of AD. We have employed highly sensitive MRI methods using the SPIO- SWI to detect cerebral microvessels. Our preliminary data indicate that clearance of intracisternal injected MRI contrast agent decreases with AD severity and concomitantly with increased Aβ around the vasculature and functional deficits in a rat model of AD. Based on our novel preliminary data, we posit that the SPIO-SWI technique will significantly increase detection of microvessels in vascular and glymphatic systems and thereby permit detailed investigation of the interaction among the changes in cerebral blood vessels and perivascular spaces during progression of AD. To test these hypotheses, we will first (Aim 1) further optimize and validate our analytical and imaging approaches and then (Aim 2) investigate CWC under progression of AD. Data generated from this proposal will provide new insights into the relationships among the changes in small blood vessels, perivascular spaces, and the outcomes of diseases under AD condition. Moreover, all the MRI markers developed in this proposal can potentially be employed in the clinic for analysis of CWC in AD patients as well as patients with other neurodegenerative diseases.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $314,000 )
2026	2026	MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY	426 AUDITORIUM RD	EAST LANSING	MI	48824	INGHAM	USA	Aging Research	000	1	3/19/2026	NEW	$314,000
														Subtotal = $314,000

Grand Total All Awards = $314,000

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Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchersin AD/ADRD Research

Award Number: R03AG098231

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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