Developing a Lactate Analogue for Use as a PET Tracer in the Brain to Detect Alzheimer’s
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Stephen Warren warren@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Research Project Abstract
Millions of Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. The diagnosis of them is symptomatic or through glucose analogue positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. However, recent studies indicate that lactate may be the preferred energy source over glucose in neurons, so lactate could be a better diagnostic tool for neurons. By developing a lactate analogue for PET imaging, the diagnostic process could be more accurate and detect disease earlier. The goal of this project is to synthesize (2-methoxy-2-phenyl-ethyl) 3-fluorooxirane-2-carboxylate in a five-step synthesis route, separate the stereoisomers to determine which one is biologically active, and to determine the conditions for opening the epoxide. Currently, the first compound in the synthesis has been successfully produced, and there is work on increasing the percent yield of that reaction.
Session Number
PS2
Location
HUB Multipurpose Room
Abstract Number
PS2-z
Developing a Lactate Analogue for Use as a PET Tracer in the Brain to Detect Alzheimer’s
HUB Multipurpose Room
Millions of Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. The diagnosis of them is symptomatic or through glucose analogue positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. However, recent studies indicate that lactate may be the preferred energy source over glucose in neurons, so lactate could be a better diagnostic tool for neurons. By developing a lactate analogue for PET imaging, the diagnostic process could be more accurate and detect disease earlier. The goal of this project is to synthesize (2-methoxy-2-phenyl-ethyl) 3-fluorooxirane-2-carboxylate in a five-step synthesis route, separate the stereoisomers to determine which one is biologically active, and to determine the conditions for opening the epoxide. Currently, the first compound in the synthesis has been successfully produced, and there is work on increasing the percent yield of that reaction.
