# Neuroimaging Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $516,381

## Abstract

Abstract Core B
The Imaging Core B (Paul Thompson, Director) provides brain image analysis for Projects 1-4, which analyze
neurodegenerative responses to air pollution. Sub-core B1 (M. Braskie) supports Projects 1 and 2 on human
brain MR images. Sub-core B2 (B. Zlokovic) supports Projects 3 and 4 on mouse brain.
Sub-core B1 Human Neuroimaging
Aim 1: Perform standardized structural image analyses in the ADNI, WHIMS and VETSA cohorts to assess
voxelwise cortical thickness, volumes of selected Alzheimer's disease (AD)-relevant subcortical structures
(hippocampus and amygdala), and regional white matter using FreeSurfer software. We will also assess white
matter hyperintensity volumes. In ADNI and VETSA we will analyze diffusion tensor imaging scans.
Aim 2: Use machine learning to generate structural MRI cortical signatures and associated predicted risk
scores related to risk for preclinical AD, mild cognitive impairment, and AD.
Aim 3: Support Projects 1 & 2 in their proposed mediation analyses using both targeted approach in structural
equation models (SEM) and agnostic approach with high-dimensional analyses.
Sub-Core B2, Mouse brain imaging.
Aim 1. Perform in vivo mouse brain imaging to assess cerebral blood flow, blood brain barrier (BBB)
permeability, vascular angiography, and MRI tractography.
Aim 2. Postmortem studies of the neurovascular unit & BBB by confocal microscopy for immunofluorescence.
Aim 3. Ultra-highfield MRI to detect mouse connectivity changes through diffusivity and tractography maps &
quantification of BBB permeability by dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI.
Aim 4 Analyze mouse data from Projects 3 and 4.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969320
- **Project number:** 5P01AG055367-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** PAUL M THOMPSON
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $516,381
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969320

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969320, Neuroimaging Core (5P01AG055367-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969320. Licensed CC0.

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