Research

Molecular and Metabolic Imaging

We aim to study dynamic metabolic alterations and disease-related biomarkers with the advanced imaging techniques we develop. To this end, we design and synthesize novel molecular imaging agents that enable in vivo visualization and quantification of metabolic pathways and biomarker dynamics. These agents, optimized to generate MRI-detectable signals within the body, reveal biochemical signatures of disease, supporting early diagnosis and improved monitoring of therapeutic response.

Synthetic MRI Probes

Capitalizing on the versatility of MRI contrast mechanisms, we design novel synthetic probes for molecular and metabolic imaging, enabling visualization of biological processes in vivo. These synthetic agents employ diverse strategies to generate specific MRI readouts, including modulating water relaxation properties, capturing proton exchange processes, or utilizing non-proton MRI-active nuclei, such as deuterium and fluorine-19. By harnessing MRI’s chemical shift encoding capabilities of the synthetic probes, we can simultaneously monitor multiple events and present them as artificial MRI colors for multiplex imaging purposes.

MRI Reporter Genes

While fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters have been indispensable for deciphering biological complexity, their reliance on light-based detection restricts their use in live tissues. To overcome the depth limitations of fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter genes, we develop MRI-compatible genetic reporters for non-invasive imaging of cellular and molecular events. By applying synthetic biology and genetic engineering, we design reporter systems that convert biological activity into MRI-detectable signals, enabling longitudinal visualization of gene and cell therapies in intact living organisms.