Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI in neurological disorders

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has rapidly emerged as a pivotal tool in neuroimaging, enabling the non-invasive quantification of molecular and metabolic processes in the brain. Unlike conventional anatomical MRI, which predominantly reflects structural integrity, CEST MRI probes the chemical interactions between water and endogenous metabolite protons, offering sensitivity to subtle biochemical alterations that precede overt morphological damage. This approach provides unique insights into early metabolic dysfunction and neurochemical changes in diverse neurological disorders. Recent advances in high and ultra-high field MRI technology have improved spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratios, facilitating more specific detection of protein and metabolite pools such as glutamate, creatine, and glucose. However, despite significant progress, challenges remain, including limited standardization across sites, complexities in data interpretation, and lack of large-scale validation linking imaging biomarkers to clinical and pathological outcomes.This Research Topic aims to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and cutting-edge research into the development, validation, and clinical translation of CEST MRI applications in neurological disease. The primary objective is to identify and overcome existing methodological barriers, refine acquisition and quantification protocols, and establish reproducible imaging biomarkers that accurately reflect underlying neuropathological processes. Studies are especially encouraged that explore new pulse sequences, quantification strategies, and cross-validation of CEST metrics with histopathology, metabolic assays, or other imaging modalities. Equally important is exploring how CEST MRI can enhance disease monitoring, prognostic evaluation, and response assessment in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.To gather further insights into the use of CEST MRI in neurological research and clinical practice, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Development and validation of CEST MRI biomarkers for neurodegenerationo Standardization, reproducibility, and harmonization of CEST MRI acquisition and analysis protocolso Comparative and multimodal imaging studies integrating CEST MRI with PET, spectroscopy, or diffusion MRIo Quantitative correlation of CEST metrics with neuropathological, biochemical, and clinical outcomeso Longitudinal and interventional studies evaluating therapeutic efficacy and disease progression using CEST MRIo Advanced quantification, modeling, and machine learning approaches for improved CEST MRI interpretation Topic editors: Tsen-Hsuan (Abby) Lin, Phillip Zhe Sun, Julius Juhyun Chung Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83030/chemical-exchange-saturation-transfer-cest-mri-in-neurological-disorders