# UMN Udall Imaging Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2021 · $352,012

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Udall Imaging Core, led by Noam Harel, Ph.D. and based at the University
of Minnesota’s internationally renowned Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), will acquire state-
of-the-art, high-resolution MRI for all subjects in the Projects and Catalyst. The overall theme of the UMN Udall
Center is to develop novel, circuit based deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
As a foundation for all three proposed projects, the Catalyst project and in collaboration with the other cores in
support of this theme, the overall goal of the Imaging Core is to use advanced imaging capabilities for direct
visualization of anatomical targets for DBS surgery as well as provide the precise location and orientation of
individual stimulating electrode contacts within the target post-implantation.
The Imaging Core will combine several cutting-edge MRI techniques, including high resolution T1/T2s and
susceptibility weighted images (SWI). Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) will also be acquired for white-matter
tractography to create patient-specific anatomical models of the target region and associated networks. To
complement the static anatomical connectivity information, we will create functional connectivity maps using
resting-state and task based functional MRI (fMRI) data of circuit-based cognitive function/non-motor regions.
For Projects 1, 2 and the Catalyst, PD patients will be scanned on a 7 T MRI system using tools developed by
our team at the CMRR. In addition, in a subset of PD patients that will be implanted with the Medtronic Percept
system, functional maps of DBS-fMRI stimulation will be collected on a 3T MRI system. For Project 3, non-human
primates (NHPs) will be scanned on the newly installed, first of its kind, 10.5 T MRI scanner, also at the CMRR.
For each PD patient and each NHP, the Imaging Core will acquire high-resolution MRI data prior to DBS
implantation and a head CT scan after surgery. Images will be fused to provide a comprehensive anatomical
model of the DBS target and the precise location of individual DBS contacts within each target.
The Imaging Core will provide patient-specific anatomical models, precise post-surgery DBS lead localization,
and parcellation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) to their
functional sub-regions. These images will provide unparalleled anatomical characterization specific to each
individual. Subject specific models of anatomical and functional connectivity developed by the Imaging Core will
provide data that is vital for the completion of each project in the UMN Udall Center.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10282959
- **Project number:** 1P50NS123109-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** NOAM HAREL
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $352,012
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-17 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10282959

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10282959, UMN Udall Imaging Core (1P50NS123109-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10282959. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*