# Optimized Multi-Metabolite Edited MRS at 3T

> **NIH NIH K99** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2021 · $83,221

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can noninvasively measure the concentration of endogenous
metabolites in the body and brain. Lower-concentration metabolites have weaker MR signals and therefore are
more difficult to detect. Edited MRS simplifies the MR spectrum so that these weaker signals can be more easily
quantified. However, usually only a single metabolite is edited, leading to multiple scans and longer examination
times when targeting multiple low-concentration metabolites. This project involves the development and
implementation of a highly optimized multiplexed editing technique, termed sLASER-HERCULES, for the
simultaneous detection of up to 8 low-concentration brain metabolites in a single scan. The reproducibility of this
approach will be rigorously assessed in vivo in a cohort of adult subjects. Additionally, software algorithms based
on spatially resolved density-matrix simulations and advanced statistics will be developed for optimizing the
acquisition parameters of this MRS technique to improve the reliable measurement of specific groups of editable
metabolites detectable by sLASER-HERCULES. The technologies generated from this project will improve the
efficiency of edited MRS and its applicability to clinical MR exams and will ultimately allow multiple hypotheses
to be tested from biochemical measurements collected in a single scan. The candidate will undertake tuition and
training in MR physics, MRS acquisition methodology, and pulse programming to successfully implement the
sLASER-HERCULES sequence. The training and research proposed in this project will be undertaken in a highly
supportive institutional environment, with extensive resources available for research and professional support.
The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art MR facilities and will be mentored by world leaders in MRS
and MRI. The long-term career objective of the candidate is to establish himself as an independent early stage
investigator with a complete repertoire of skills in MRS methodology and applications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10410779
- **Project number:** 7K99EB028828-02
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark Mikkelsen
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $83,221
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2021-08-18 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10410779

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10410779, Optimized Multi-Metabolite Edited MRS at 3T (7K99EB028828-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10410779. Licensed CC0.

---

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