Imaging Core

REVISED ABSTRACT: Imaging Core: Project Summary – 2P30AG066530-06 (5772) As a part of the USC Alzheimer Disease Research Center competitive renewal, the Imaging Core will continue to serve the overall mission to provide high-quality MR and PET imaging resources. The main goal of the Imaging Core is to provide a standardized imaging protocol across ADRC following the Standardized Centralized Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Neuroimaging guidelines (SCAN). The ADRC Imaging Core will also provide core resources, including MR physics and PET expertise, multi-scanner sequence and protocol development, image data quality control and management, research collaboration, and a global framework for conducting AD neuroimaging research. The Imaging Core is led by a well-integrated and collaborative team, including Arthur Toga (Core Leader), Kirsten Lynch (Core Co-Leader), Yonggang Shi, and Meredith Braskie who together provide expertise in vascular, functional, and structural imaging and its analyses for 3T and 7T MRI, and PET. We propose 5 specific aims where the Imaging Core will provide a standardized imaging framework for all ADRC; perform high quality control of all imaging data; develop technical and scientific approaches for ultra-high field 7T MRI; assist in PET protocol development and quality control; and conduct education and training in modern imaging techniques. Taken together, these goals will serve the USC ADRC’s overarching goals to 1) Recruit and follow a clinical cohort that reflects the population of Los Angeles and is enriched for APOE ε4, focusing on factors that modify the effect of APOE ε4 on cognitive decline and AD biomarkers, 2) promote local ADRD research at USC, and 3) further national collaborations.