Novel diffusion MRI as a probe of brain structure and function

Our long term objective in this project is to raise the power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to new levels in structural as well as functional neuroimaging.

We will accomplish this by further developing a new diffusion MRI (dMRI) technique, invented by the main applicant, and put the method to use for improving the outcome of glioma resection surgery. Mathematical models accounting for transmembrane water exchange will be instrumental in this endeavor.

The measurements will produce a more detailed and direct description of water dynamics, which will be used to obtain noninvasive biomarkers of pathologies and activation in the human brain.Our results obtained from numerical simulations as well as preliminary experiments demonstrate the power and feasibility of our novel technique in characterizing water dynamics and exchange.In Aim 1, a new framework integrating the new dMRI acquisition sequence and sophisticated models capable of characterizing water exchange will be developed.In Aim 2, the technique will be implemented on MRI scanners and data will be collected to assess the utility of measuring water exchange as an indicator of neural activation.

Biopsy samples extracted from glioma patients will be used for validation while in vivo acquisitions will be performed for surgical planning.