I-55: Molecular Imaging Overview

Molecular imaging is the noninvasive visualization of normal as well as abnormal cellular processes at a molecular or genetic level of function. It is used to provide characterization and measurement of biological processes in living animals and humans (in vivo). The discipline of molecular imaging evolved rapidly over the past decade through the integration of cell biology, molecular biology and diagnostic imaging. A key component is the imaging probe which homes in on the specific target of interest in the body and is visualized by a special scanning method. In creating a probe the basic principle is to identify a specific receptor site associated with the target molecule that characterizes the disease process being studied. The agent is labeled with a radioactive substance or nanoparticle or other methodology that allows detection by the imaging device.Although the concept is simple, the process is complex requiring extensive expertise and equipment. The probe must be safe, not alter the disease process being studied, be able to reach the target in sufficient concentration while not accumulating in other tissues, and be retained long enough to be detected – all significant challenges to overcome. Currently there are over 500 probes withmany more in development. Three different noninvasive, in vivo imaging technologies are evolving at the heart of molecular imaging to provide spatial and temporal dimensions of understanding: 1. Radionuclide Imaging 2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 3. Optical Imaging Molecular imaging has two basic applications: 1. Diagnostic imaging to determine the location and extent of targeted molecules for the disease being studied 2. Therapy to treat specific disease-target molecules by adding a therapeutic agent onto the probe. Molecular imaging will become more important as genomics and proteomics expand the number of relevant molecules to visualize. We will present an overview of current application in MRI field to be used in Royan project hopefully.