MIND-MAPS AD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease – Mitochondria, Associated Proteins & Synapses in Alzheimer’s Disease
IRAS ID
234776
Contact name
Paul Matthews
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate how well brain cells function in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. We will look at different parts of the brain cell (the mitochondria and synapses). The mitochondria are components of every cell in the body, and are responsible for producing most of the energy of a cell. Synapses are special areas of the brain cell where they communicate with each other. Synapses use a lot of energy and are very dependent on good mitochondrial function. Problems with mitochondria are thought to cause the aging process and be a key to many brain diseases.
Mitochondrial complex-1 (MC-1) is a key enzyme in the mitochondria and is sensitive to mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. The sigma-1 receptor (s1R) is a protein important for good mitochondrial function. The SV2A is a protein that is a marker of the number of synapses in the brain. The purpose of this study is to see if we can measure any change in MC1, s1R and SV2A with increasing age, using 3 PET radioligands [18F]BCPP-EF, [11C]SA4503 and [11C]UCB-J in the brains of participants with Alzheimer's Disease over 12 months.
Our findings will provide understanding related to the biological signatures of the disease that will help us track the progression of Alzheimer’s, and most importantly may help in the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s in the future.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0179
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion