Molecular Tracer and Imaging Core Facility

National Institute Of Biomedical Imaging And Bioengineering, Bethesda

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Annual report: EB000087-06 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. All animal work conducted was under an approved ASP belonging to the collaborator. We have developed a general synthetic procedure for making fluorine-18 radiolabeled prosthetic groups that will be useful for labeling biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides. This was reported in an employee invention report and a provisional patent application has been submitted (63/459,079, April 13, 2023). 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. The group is working on developing a new tumor model in mice. The research group has had a turnover of fellows and their establishment of tumor model has consumed significant time. 2) NIBIB project. a. We have a mass spectrometry laboratory with two high resolution HPLC-MS systems. One of the instruments (Waters SYNAPT XS) was recently installed and is used to conduct characterization of chemicals synthesized in by Core Facility personnel and to analyze protein samples prepared by collaborators. The second (Thermo Q-exactive), 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. b. We are in discussions with the Laboratory of Dr. Manu Platt to develop an imaging agent for PET to be used in his studies. c. We have been working with two NIBIB intramural scientists on a nanomaterials project with the goal of efficient and specific cancer therapy. Our group is providing mentorship to one post-doctoral fellow on chemical synthesis and chemical characterizations. 3) CC project. A senior investigator in the CC is exploring the application of PET imaging to the study of infectious diseases. We are collaborating on the development of novel radiochemicals for this application. 4) NCI project. Our NCI collaborator has been utilizing a multiphoton microscope set up in our facility for intravital imaging and application to the study of tumor models in mice. 5) NINDS projects. a. The Lorne Role neuroscience research group has the need for PET imaging equipment to conduct longitudinal studies in their animal model. We are providing access to our equipment and expertise in data acquisition. b. The David Brody Group is studying blood-brain-barrier transport of peptides and proteins using positron emission tomography. We provide radiolabeling and imaging services.