Objective
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) based on Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent (BOLD) contrast is currently the mainstay of neuroimaging, whose ever growing applications provide a wealth of information regarding the human brain. The chief advantage of BOLD-fMRI is its non-invasive nature and excellent coverage, but it is limited by poor temporal and spatial resolution, and its surrogate nature. In fact, BOLD imaging, as well as other fMRI methods, are insufficient for a detailed study of the neural networks that underly human or animal cognition. We propose to develop a new approach. The aim is to study exogenous MR contrast agents that are ‘responsive’ biochemical functional markers, capable of detecting neuronal activity in real time and translating it into changes of MR contrast. Our objective is to develop glutamate responsive contrast agents to image changes in different parts of the brain upon neural activation. We also aim to improve the sensitivity of these bio-responsive agents by introducing additional modality for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in the molecules. Initially, novel selective classes of specific, efficacious and optimized Glutamate receptors antagonists along with contrast enhancing macrocyclic lanthanide-chelates, will be developed. The initiatives in chemistry include both tailored organic synthesis and complexation of non-toxic metallo-pharmaceuticals, whose ligand design is dictated by the desired structure-activity relationship. Glutamate receptor sensitive specific extracellular responsive contrast agents will be considered. Every agent will be characterized by different chemical methods and finally evaluated by means of in vitro MR/PET measurements in simulated physiological conditions.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
DH1 3LE DURHAM
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.