Lectures L 3 . 1 Molecular imaging : a tool for biotechnology

MI is the visualisation/characterisation of biological processes in living organisms. MI techniques directly or indirectly monitor and record the spatio-temporal distribution of molecular or cellular processes for biochemical, biological, diagnostic or therapeutic applications. MI is the non-invasive, quantitative and repetitive imaging of targeted macromolecules and biological processes in living organisms [1,2]. MI is an interdisciplinary approach involving biologists, physicists, physicians, mathematicians, conventional chemists, radio-chemists and other specialists who have joint forces for the better understanding and visualisation of the normal physiological processes and the molecular processes preceding the morphological manifestations of diseases in vivo. Biotechnology combines disciplines like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology and cell biology, that are in turn linked to practical disciplines like chemical engineering, information technology and robotics [3]. The convergence of technology in recent years within different fields of research has broadened the horizon for MI applications both in basic research and the clinical setting. These include and are not limited to: the mapping of the entire human genome, tools to genetically manipulate cells or organisms, new treatment strategies, including molecular and cell based therapies, nanotechnology, and state-of-the-art imaging modalities with increased spatial and temporal resolutions. The aim of this presentation is to introduce some of the MI modalities that are used as tools in biotechnology research and development (e.g. mini-SPECT, mini-PET and mini-MR) and also to give examples of biotechnology products that are used in medical diagnosis and therapy, in an effort to answer the question: Is Molecular Imaging a tool for Biotechnology or is Biotechnology a tool for Molecular Imaging? References: 1. Weissleder R, Mahmood U (2001) Radiology 219: 316–333. 2. Massoud TF, Gambhir SS (2003) Genes Dev 17: 545–580. 3. Springham D et al (1999) Biotechnology: the Science and the Business, Taylor & Francis. L3.2