The Thomas Reiner Lab

The Reiner Lab research program revolves around the development and validation of novel imaging tracers. We have worked on small molecule–, peptide-, and nanoparticle-based probes for both optical and PET imaging. Our work is focused on the design of companion imaging agents for determining drug susceptibility and target engagement in the preclinical and translational setting.

Currently, our research program is centered on the development of a revolutionary, next-generation small molecule diagnostic platform based on PARP1, a nuclear DNA repair enzyme that plays one of the key functions in the DNA repair cascade. PARP1 is overexpressed in virtually all types of malignant growths, and its overexpression is highly predictive for overall survival. However, in order to improve drug effectiveness, better and more accurate methods for identification, stratification, and monitoring are needed.

We have a rich history of developing targeted agents for noninvasive imaging of disease. Ultimately, these agents will help us understand the molecular mechanisms of drug action, shedding new light on tumor cell pathology and helping to predict why some patients respond well to a certain treatment regime.