Molecular Tracer and Imaging Core Facility

National Institute Of Biomedical Imaging And Bioengineering, Bethesda

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

This is a report of the Molecular Tracer and Imaging Core Facility of the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The major theme of our work is to utilize radionuclides for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We also have capabilities in chemical synthesis, primarily organic chemistry and bioconjugate chemistry. The laboratory is well equipped with analytical chemistry equipment to allow identity and purity analyses to be conducted on entities ranging from small molecules to large proteins. This equipment includes high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. We also house PET/CT and optical imaging devices in our laboratory. In the past year the COVID pandemic has continued to affect the pace of research. Most of the collaborators from the past year are still interested in pursuing their projects, albeit at a slower pace. A key staff member of the core facility has pursued employment elsewhere and the vacated position has not yet been filled. This has significantly impacted our ability to provide the same level of service as in the past. 1) NIDDK projects. This collaborator is interested in exploring therapy of thyroid tumors. They have established tumor models in mice to be studied by imaging and with radionuclide therapy. One mouse study for radionuclide therapy is currently on-going involving four groups of mice to compare untreated controls to three treatment groups. The research group has just had a turnover of fellows and more projects are anticipated. 2) NIBIB project. We have a mass spectrometry laboratory with two high resolution HPLC-MS systems. One of the instruments (Waters QTOF) is almost exclusively used to conduct characterization of chemicals synthesized in by Core Facility personnel. The second (Thermo Q-exactive), which promises higher mass resolution and higher sensitivity, is being evaluated to conduct studies of binding interactions between albumin and chemically synthesized binding molecules. This instrument also has capability in proteomics and has been used by NIBIBs Micro Analytical Immunochemistry Unit of the Shared Resource on Biomedical Engineering and Physical Science. 3) NIDCR project. An investigator in NIDCR has been studying F-18 fluoride uptake in a mouse model of a rare human bone disease. The investigator has been focusing on establishment of their animal models during this fiscal year. No imaging studies were conducted this year. We worked to set up a method for data transfer this year. 4) CC project. A senior investigator in the CC exploring an application of nanobodies, the antibody-like molecules of the camelid family. These are lower molecular weight than human antibodies and promise faster kinetics to provide a better imaging agent. We are working to determine the best radiochemical synthesis method for labeling. 5) NCI project. There have been discussions with NCI regarding future projects, but these plans have been put on hold awaiting hiring of new staff member for the core facility.