The Grimm Molecular Imaging Lab in the Molecular Pharmacology & Chemistry Program focuses on the development of novel and innovative imaging approaches for cancer diagnostics. These approaches combine and utilize modern biology, nanotechnology, chemistry and physics with modern imaging methods (MRI, optical imaging, PET, SPECT) to create novel imaging agents that allow much earlier detection and improved therapy monitoring of cancer. The lab strives to develop completely novel concepts how to image biological events, keeping clinical translatability of the projects within sight. We are aiming at translational research but are also interested in preclinical research. The lab is housed in the Zuckerman Research Building (20th floor).
Probe concepts in Molecular Imaging
Nonspecific probes are non-directed. Most of the MR and CT contrast agents belong
into this group. Targeted agents are binding to specific targets, mediated by ligands
attached to
their surface. Smart probes are activated by enzymatic conversion. Cell tracking is
added here as a
fourth option since cells comprise a special, living kind of probe that seeks its target
actively unlike any
other probe.
While novel biologic therapies use biological mechanisms such as blockage of specific kinases (e.g bcr-abl), current imaging methods to evaluate molecular endpoints of therapies with CT or MRI rely mainly on the administration of nonspecific contrast agents. Imaging agents capable of revealing the biological functions of their targets would significantly improve our ability to diagnose disease and monitor novel therapies. Such activatable or "smart" imaging agents are transformed to their active, signal-producing state only upon interacting with their target. This considerably reduces nonspecific background signal and represents a higher level of probe sophistication compared to targeted agents alone, which indicate the presence of their target but do not deliver any information about the biologic activity. Multimodality imaging allows us to utilize the same imaging agent with different imaging modalities, which increases the versatility of such agents.
Molecular Imaging
Conventional imaging provides anatomical information while molecular imaging allows
detecting changes on a molecular level. These changes occur many years before the actual
manifestation on the anatomical level.
(Grimm J and Hricak H (2008) Curr Opinion Urol 18:61)
Jan Grimm, MD/PhD
Head of the lab
Molecular Imaging not only aims to allows to detect diseases earlier and more specifically, it also aids in drug development. Taken together Molecular Imaging is an important step towards Personalized Medicine, tailored towards the specific needs of the patient.
Interdisciplinary approach
Molecular Imaging is at the intersection of various disciplines and thrives by their
inteactions
Since the lab is situated at the intersection of various disciplines -- such as Molecular Biology, Chemistry (organic and inorganic), Physics, Radiopharmacy, and Imaging -- the lab is open to a wide variety of specialists interested in interdisciplinary research. We understand Molecular Imaging as an interdisciplinary approach that combines the knowledge of different fields to create innovative and unique new agents for various imaging applications. Consequently, several collaborations with other laboratories in the US and abroad exist.
Lab Head CV (PDF)
