Core H: Neuroimaging Core

ABSTRACT: NEUROIMAGING CORE In vivo neuroimaging assessment of brain structure, function, and metabolism provides powerful mechanistic data complementary to molecular biomarker data. The Neuroimaging Core mission is to support novel research by lowering the barriers for investigators to a wide array of neuroimaging capabilities. The Neuroimaging Core facilitates the use of MRI and PET imaging by providing initial study conceptualization and design, acquisition and analysis protocols, and assistance with data interpretation, manuscripts, and grant applications. The Neuroimaging Core also develops novel imaging methods which are actively deployed across the ADRC network in multisite clinical trials. Core personnel mentor the next generation of scientists and assist established investigators from other fields to initiate studies into AD, aging, and neurodegeneration. The Neuroimaging Core curates a dataset of shareable images from the Clinical Cohort and investigator- initiated studies and sends summary data to the Data Management and Statistics Core for addition to the curated clinical (Clinical Core), genetic and biomarker (Biomarker Core), and histological (Neuropathology Core) database which is shared with investigators for stimulating further study. During the current funding cycle, these efforts have resulted in collaborations with 26 established investigators and nine K-awardees and support for 73 funded projects resulting in 39 peer-reviewed manuscripts. In the next cycle, we will continue these efforts and add two novel capabilities. Neurovascular imaging will allow explorations of the vascular mechanisms contributing to AD and neurodegeneration, adding a novel imaging “V” biomarker to ATN(MV). Deep phenotyping will yield novel testable hypotheses from the rich integrated clinical, genetic, behavioral, biomarker and imaging data that our ADRC is accumulating from our Clinical Cohort. We propose three aims aligned with the National Alzheimer's Project ACT (NAPA) themes: Aim 1. Support imaging efforts of existing and future investigators in AD and aging research. The Neuroimaging Core will support design and implementation of new studies, provide secure, accessible image storage, standardized analysis pipelines, and training to apply imaging to ADRD. We will provide standard image-based ATN phenotype data for etiologic diagnosis of the Clinical Cohort. We will promote the use of harmonized imaging acquisitions to increase data sharing between investigators and networks such as SCAN and ADNI. Aim 2. Develop novel imaging techniques for AD and aging research. The Neuroimaging Core will develop new imaging acquisition and analysis techniques and stimulate new research by establishing neurovascular imaging and deep phenotyping as novel new capabilities in the KU ADRC. Aim 3. Share and implement imaging methods and data locally and across the ADC network. The Neuroimaging Core will actively share integrated imaging data, deep phenotyping capabilities, and other novel methods across the ADRC network in support of the full spectrum of preclinical to multisite clinical trials.