Imaging and Biomarker Core

Project Summary: Imaging and Biomarker Core The Imaging and Biomarker (IB) Core plays a pivotal role in local and national studies by meticulously characterizing participants from the Clinical Core (CC) through comprehensive neuroimaging and fluid biomarker analysis. The IB Core facilitates the precise diagnostic categorization of older adults affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), thereby enabling an in-depth exploration of disease mechanisms and cognitive resilience. Collaborating closely with the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease (NCRAD), the IB Core assesses various biomarkers, including CSF and plasma ptau217, ptau181, Ab40, Ab42, and total tau, to ascertain disease risk. Additionally, in recognition of the proposed A|T|(N)|V|I|S categorization, the IB Core will assess plasma GFAP as a marker of inflammatory pathology and bank fluids to evaluate synuclein pathology in the future. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), encompassing anatomical and functional scans, is conducted on participants spanning the spectrum from normal cognition to mild AD, with specific imaging protocols provided by SCAN and CLARiTI. We also provide advanced imaging protocols and analysis pipelines tailored to different cohorts supported by the AD Research Center (ADRC), thereby enriching research capabilities in cerebrovascular disease and glymphatic clearance and facilitating biomarker discovery. The IB Core will also provide a dedicated protocol focused on cerebrovascular disease at our center and will include specialized sequences for vascular reactivity and blood-brain-barrier permeability measurement. Similarly, with increasing interest and number of studies in glymphatic biology, the IB Core will provide sequences for imaging CSF flow and diffusion as needed by the PIs. The IB Core will also conduct amyloid and tau Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for CC participants and affiliated projects, offering valuable insights into disease progression and anti-amyloid treatment efficacy. The center's focal point lies in comprehending topographical variability and cognitive resilience in AD, delving into factors influencing disease progression and individual cognitive functionality by leveraging imaging and biomarker data. To this effect, the IB Core will collaborate with the Data Management and Statistics (DMS) Core by providing imaging data and fluid biomarkers to enhance our understanding of AD mechanisms. Ex vivo MRI data generated for deceased CC participants facilitate correlation with neuropathological findings, further enriching our understanding of the disease and remains a highlight of the IB Core. About 800 ex vivo brains are available as a resource for studies at the UW ADRC. Through seamless coordination with the CC, DMS Core, and Precision Neuropathology Core, the IB Core ensures comprehensive data collection, analysis, and interpretation, thus advancing our understanding and treatment of AD.