Projects

Brain Fluid Translational Imaging Lab

Brain Microstructure: Late Fetal & Early Postnatal Neurodevelopment

Goal

This project aims to develop brain tissue microstructure imaging tools and computational models of late fetal/early postnatal neurodevelopment in health and disease.

Leveraging state-of-the-art multimodal MRI microstructure imaging techniques and machine learning algorithms, our primary objective is to gain insights into the intricate neurobiology governing late fetal and early postnatal brain development and histogenesis. These will enable us to better understand the effects of genetic and environmental factors on early brain development.

Nazeri, A, et al. “Neurodevelopmental patterns of early postnatal white matter maturation represent distinct underlying microstructure and histology.” Neuron 110.23 (2022): 4015-4030.

Foundation of the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) Grant Program.

Neurofluid Imaging

Goal

Our goal is to understand the neurophysiology of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid using novel MRI sequences and other imaging modalities.

We are developing MRI sequences and computational tools to understand neurofluid physiology, CSF circulation, and brain fluid exchange. This project encompasses a wide range of experiments and investigations, spanning preclinical, translational, and clinical studies.

CSF Pseudo-Diffusion Spatial Statistics: Whole-Brain Voxelwise Analysis of CSF Flow

Brain Fluid Perturbation with Focused Ultrasound

Goal

We aim to develop tools to manipulate brain fluid dynamics for enhanced drug delivery and liquid biopsy using MR-guided focused ultrasound (FUS).

In collaboration with Chen Ultrasound Laboratory, we are working on novel applications of FUS: (i) enhanced space/time-resolved liquid biopsy by FUS-mediated release of brain-derived biomarkers (Sonobiopsy); (ii) targeted delivery by FUS-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening.

Pacia, CP, et al. “Focused ultrasound–mediated liquid biopsy in a tauopathy mouse model.” Radiology 307.2 (2023): e220869.