Investigation of Extracellular Matrix Alterations in Murine Models of Multiple Sclerosis by Molecular and Biophysical MRI (B05)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 372486779

Neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), are associated with alterations of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM). This project will investigate how cerebral ECM as well as brain endothelial and epithelial glycocalyx are altered due to neuroinflammation and how those changes can be visualized and quantified by ECM-specific molecular and biophysical imaging probes. To this end, ECM changes in the cerebral cortex and brain barriers will be quantified in an MS mouse model using multiscale magnetic resonance elastography and biochemical imaging markers in correlation with histopathology. In addition, we will address individual and sex-specific tissue properties and changes during regenerative processes to evaluate the sensitivity of novel ECM-specific imaging probes to therapy monitoring in MS.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1340: In vivo Visualization of Extracellular Matrix Pathology „Matrix in Vision“
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Carmen Infante Duarte; Professor Dr. Ingolf Sack