Neuroimaging of Aging
Description: Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is a uniquely non-invasive and versatile neuroimaging method that provides both neuronal and vascular readouts and was the focus of Dr. Chen's first CRC term. Specifically, the rs-fMRI technique can be used to obtain maps of intrinsic brain networks, which are believed to sustain cognitive function. Moreover, it inadvertently provides vascular information, which can, in turn, be capitalized in the study of vascular aging. Dr. Chen and her team were the first in the world to elucidate the vascular and physiological contributions to rs-fMRI by showing the contribution of CVR, cerebral blood flow, blood oxygenation saturation, vasomotion, and respiratory cycles to rs-fMRI measurements. Dr. Chen's team also demonstrated how rs-fMRI could become a method for mapping cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). CVR is a measure of vascular health that is highly valued clinically, given its reliable prediction of cerebrovascular disease. Since establishing the only existing rs-fMRI-based CVR quantification technique, Dr. Chen and her collaborators have validated the resting-state CVR mapping technique in varying clinical scenarios. The publications resulting from her first CRC term have helped propel me into a recognized world leader in rs-fMRI of brain physiology. In her second CRC term, Dr. Chen will innovate methods for extracting neurovascular information from rs-fMRI data. Specifically, she will probe the relationship between whole-body vascular health and neurovascular health, and clarify the association between vascular and microstructural changes in the brain, which can clarify the neurodegenerative process and help identify new treatment targets. She will also, through industry and clinical collaborations, translate her research findings into new therapeutic tools and practices. Specifically, she will expand on her research program with 4 research themes. ? Theme 1. Mapping neurovascular physiology in brain aging. ? Theme 2. Understanding the brain-body connection in aging and age-related disease. ? Theme 3. Clarify the vascular contribution to early microstructural brain changes in aging. ? Theme 4. Applying neurovascular mapping to age-related diseases and therapies. The proposed research will be important for advancing health screening and care and will be critical for enhancing collaborations across the Baycrest and University of Toronto network across Ontario, Canada, and abroad.
Amount: CA$500,000
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: Canada Research Chairs - CIHR Funded - Tier 2
Start date: 2021-10-01
End date: 2026-09-30
Investigator: Jing Chen
Institution: University of Toronto
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 150986_2
OpenAlex ID: G873365638