Current Research Projects
Project 1: Advanced CEST MRI Reconstruction and Quantification for Brain Metabolism and Neuroinflammation
Our lab develops next-generation Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI technologies aimed at robust, quantitative imaging of metabolic dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the human brain. We integrate advanced physics-based modeling, optimized numerical reconstruction methods, and modern machine learning to push the limits of CEST sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability.
Project 2: Automated Brain Artery Segmentation Analysis from Time-of-Flight MRA
This project focuses on developing advanced tools for the automated segmentation, classification, and feature extraction of brain arteries from time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography. Accurate characterization of intracranial arteries is essential for understanding vascular health, assessing stroke risk, and studying cerebrovascular contributions to neurological diseases. However, manual analysis is labor-intensive and prone to variability, limiting its use in large-scale and multi-site research.
Learn more about Automated Brain Artery Segmentation Analysis from Time-of-Flight MRA
Project 3: Estimating Free Water and Neurite Density from Single-Shell Diffusion MRI
The extracellular free water (FW) signal fraction, indicating the relative amount of freely diffusing water in the extracellular space, can unveil neuroaxonal damage impacting tissue diffusion characteristics. FW correlates with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in various disorders, including HIV, confirmed through PET studies measuring microglial activation via TSPO. Existing FW estimation techniques using free water imaging rely on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), limiting their ability to characterize tissue microstructure comprehensively, unlike the neurite orientation and density imaging (NODDI) model.
Learn more about Estimating Free Water and Neurite Density from Single-Shell Diffusion MRI
Project 4: Multimodal MRI Integration for Predicting Brain Disease Progression
Our research aims to build a comprehensive framework for understanding brain health and disease by integrating advanced multimodal MRI with blood-based biomarkers and cognitive performance measures. By combining structural, microstructural, mechanical, vascular, and functional information, we seek to develop sensitive indicators of early brain alterations and robust predictors of disease progression.
Learn more about Multimodal MRI Integration for Predicting Brain Disease Progression
Project 5: Advanced MRI in the Co-occurrence of Liver Disease and HIV Infection
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disorder characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neuroaxonal loss within the central nervous system. This condition is often associated with changes in the distribution of iron.
Learn more about Advanced MRI in the Co-occurrence of Liver Disease and HIV Infection
Ongoing Research Grants
Impact of NAFLD on Metabolic Brain Function via CEST MRI in HIV-Positive Individuals (NIH-DP1DK139798, PI: N Uddin)
The goal of this proposal is to develop a novel artificial intelligence-based approach for rapid and high-quality clinical chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), a molecular MRI technique used to assess metabolic brain dysfunction.
Role: Principal Investigator
Automated machine learning-based brain artery segmentation, anatomical prior labeling, and feature extraction on MR Angiography (NIH-R03NS134395-01, PI: N Uddin)
The goal of this proposal is to develop and validate an automated approach to segment and classify brain arteries and extract vascular features with high fidelity from low-resolution clinical MRA images utilizing a prospective machine learning framework with a small training set for clinical convenience.
Role: Principal Investigator
Developing Fast and Robust Techniques for Brain Microstructure Mapping with Single-Shell diffusion MRI (University Research Award, PI: N Uddin)
The purpose of this study is to develop a faster and more reliable MRI technique using artificial intelligence to measure brain inflammation and axonal damage.
Role: Principal Investigator
Study of Metformin to reduce cerebrovascular dysfunction in South African patients with HIV and metabolic syndrome: A phase II pilot trial: SMART (NIH-R21TW012185, PI: E Decloedt)
The goals of this study are to obtain preliminary data on the effect of metformin on cerebral vascular reactivity and cerebral blood flow in HIV positive participants with metabolic syndrome and to assess whether metformin associated changes in cerebral vascular reactivity and cerebral blood flow are mediated via improvements in endothelial function.
Role: Co-Investigator
Brain signature of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and its impact on long-term cognitive functioning in older adults (NIH- R01AG077156, PI: G Schifitto)
The goal of this project is to assess the severity and progression of CSVD in individuals previously infected by SARS-CoV-2 compared to age and sex matched controls, to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on brain microstructure integrity and to assess changes in cerebrovascular function and its association to peripheral makers of endothelial function and altered brain barrier in individuals previously infected by SARS-CoV-2 compared to controls.
Role: Co-Investigator
Role of monocyte Delta like-4 (Dll4) in HIV-associated cerebral small vessel disease (NIH-R01NS132870, PI: Schifitto/Pang)
The major goal of this study is to investigate the role of DII4 in blood brain barrier permeability and vascular remodeling.
Role: Co-Investigator
Brain Structural Biomarkers of Risk and Resilience to Pain Chronification (NIH-R01NS126451, PI: P Geha)
This application aims to identify structural gray and white matter biomarkers of risk and resilience to pain chronification after the onset of low-back pain by testing specific hypotheses based on existing knowledge of chronic pain and the brain while at the same time addressing the influence of sex and types of clinical presentations (i.e., presence or absence of sciatica).
Role: Co-Investigator