Simultanous PET/MR Imaging
We develop and apply state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques to study brain function.
A few things we’re interested in investigating
Our lab conducts highly translational imaging research ranging from preclinical experiments, first-in-human studies, and clinical applications.
Brain Function
Pharmacology
Connectivity
Projects
Neuroreceptor Mapping
We are interested in investigating neuroreceptor systems in responses to behavioral and/or pharmacological challenges in health and diseases, with an emphasis on applied substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. We are developing PET/fMRI methods to quantify:
* Agonist-induced recptor trafficking, and
* Receptor systems interaction
Funding: NIDA K99/R00 and R21
Neuroepigenetics with [11C]Martinostat PET/MRI
These studies will use a newly developed PET radiotracer, [11C]Martinostat, to quantify the distribution and availability of HDACs in the brain of chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients
1) with and without taking prescription opioids, and
2) with different subtypes of low back pain.
Funding: NIDA R61/R33 and NIAMS UH2/UH3
Other projects in progress
FLEXIBLE CODE
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Integrity and Glymphatic System
We are developing novel MRI and PET imaging techniques to image BBB integrity. We will conduct translational experiments to investigate the impacts of BBB permeability on PET radiotracer kinetics and to evaluate the relationships between BBB impairment and toxic protein deposition in neurodegenerative disorders.
FLEXIBLE CODE
Endocannabinoid System in Chronic Pain
We are developing and validating new PET radiotracers targeting the endocannabinoid systems (receptors and enzymes) to be applied to patients with chronic pain.
Collaborators
Neuroepigenetics and neuroreceptor mapping
Jacob Hooker, PhD
Professor
PET kinetic modeling
Julie Price, PhD
Professor
PET/MRI hardware and software
Ciprian Catana, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Novel PET tracer development
Changning Wang, PhD
Assistant Professor
Pain neuroimaging
Marco Loggia, PhD
Associate Professor
Neuroepigenetics and neruoimaging
Nicole Zurcher, PhD
Assistant Professor
Neuropharmacology and neuroreceptor mapping
Michael Placzek, PhD
Assistant Professor