Dr Rodolfo Gatto - Traditional and Anomalous diffusion MRI Methods for the Evaluation of Neuronal Injury in Preclinical Mammalian Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Webinar: Thursday 15th April 10:00 PM Brisbane
Traditional and Anomalous diffusion MRI Methods for the Evaluation of Neuronal Injury in Preclinical Mammalian Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neuronal injury (NI) is one of the most common endpoints in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) leading to a progressive and irreversible deterioration in the subject’s neurological condition. With the advancement of non-invasive imaging techniques, such as diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI), it is possible to model and estimate microstructural anomalies and neuropathological changes in AI and axonal connectivity at pre-symptomatic stages. Recently, new strategies relied on the application of ultra-high field dMRI to genetically modified mammalian models opening a new realm in diagnostic and therapeutic investigations. However, some of the intrinsic limitations of mono-exponential models, such as diffusion tensor imaging, could undermine our ability to identify subtle changes in more complex neurological structures. In this regard, new developments of non-Gaussian diffusion models attempting to characterise cortical and subcortical brain tissues (conceptualised as an inhomogeneous media) could potentially improve medical neuroimaging diagnostics in NDDs. In this seminar, Dr. Gatto will discuss current and novel dMRI techniques applied to different murine models of NDDs, their relationship with NI & histopathological findings as well as potential future research directions.
Dr Rodolfo Gatto has solid experience in Neuroimaging Techniques and Preclinical Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Traumatic Brain Injury. He is heavily trained in Signal and Imaging Data Processing with broad experience in Molecular Techniques and Bioinstrumentation. Dr Gatto is particularly interested in Translational Research and pursues an Academic Career that integrates Bioengineering, Neurobiology and Medical fields.