SPECIAL ISSUE Advances in Molecular Neuroimaging by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Advances in Molecular Neuroimaging by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Submission information:

Guest Editors: Dr. Steve Sawiak, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University
Dr. Uzay Emir, School of Health Sciences, Purdue University

Aims & Scope:

Non-invasive spatial mapping of neurochemicals by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is of great potential value for studying the metabolic state of a healthy and diseased brain, since molecular neuroimaging via MRI allows the detection of a variety of neurochemicals, including N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) as a marker of neuronal loss/dysfunction, creatine (Cr) as a marker for deficits in energy metabolism, choline (Cho) as a marker for cell membrane turnover, and glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. Thus, molecular MRI can contribute to diagnosing and monitoring disease before structural/extracellular changes become apparent, and can also allow the measurement of modulations in functional neurochemistry during physiological interventions. As increasingly advanced MRI technologies have become available, their improved sensitivity and resolution have greatly benefited molecular neuroimaging via MRI and facilitated robust clinical and basic neuroscience studies.

This special issue intends to combine the current knowledge of molecular neuroimaging via MRI. We seek primary research studies focusing on molecular neuroimaging outcomes in clinical and basic neuroscience studies. As well as empirical work, we also welcome perspectives, reviews, or technical reports.

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Hi Uzay,

Thanks for sharing this special issue—really interesting topic, even for those of us who are not deeply specialized in molecular neuroimaging.

While I’m not directly working in MRI research, I’m involved with a project focused on brain health and cognitive support, and I can definitely see how advances in molecular MRI could play a big role in earlier detection and monitoring of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

I came across some of the points you mentioned—especially around tracking neurochemicals like NAA, glutamate, and GABA—and it’s fascinating how imaging is moving toward more functional and metabolic insights rather than just structural observation.

For anyone interested in broader brain health applications, I’ve been exploring related work here:
Would be great to see how research from this special issue eventually translates into practical tools or interventions.

Looking forward to reading the published studies!