Molecular imaging

Academic year: 2007-2008 Course code module 1MBMW-K-20 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 20,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 20,00 Other (hours): 15,00 Part-time program: 2 Instructor(s) Dirk Adriaensen John Mertens Tony Lahoutte Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: semester exam in January Contract restriction information: exam contract not possible 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Basic knowledge of chemistry,  biochemistry, physics and nuclear radiation.     Good basic knowledge of the characteristics of cells (cell biology) and tissues (histology). *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) This module includes ‘Radio Pharmacy and Contrast Agents’, in function of macroscopic PET/SPECT imaging, and 'Tracers and Probes’ for microscopic imaging, inclusive fluorescence en bioluminescence reporter gene imaging. Competences aimed at are:   Gaining insight in the different possibilities of radioactive compounds in medical diagnostical applications, and of  fluorescence en bioluminescence as an in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro research technique on organisms, tissues and cells.   Getting skilled in gathering information about state-of-the-art possibilities for detection, visualization and quantification of molecular processes, for any arbitrary application. 3. Course content Objectives Offer the students insight in the different possibilities of radioactive compounds in medical diagnostic applications using various clinical imaging techniques such as scintigraphy, SPECT and PET.  Highlight the variety of contrast agents used in radiological and magnetic resonance imaging. Provide an overview of the enormous possibilities that result from the combination of modern cell and molecular biological techniques with state-of-the-art fluorescence/bioluminescence markers, and high-tech developments in the fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging and other detection methods.    Contents Radio Pharmacy and Contrast Agents: Definition of a radioisotope. Different radioisotopes and properties of the emitted radiation or particles. Measuring radioactivity . Production of radioisotopes using nuclear reactors, cyclotrons and generators. Synthesis of radioactive compounds with determination of the radiochemical purity. Quality control coupled to practical exercices. Biological (pharmacological) behavior of radiopharmaceutical compounds for diagnostic (PET, SPECT) and therapeutic (radionuclide therapy) use: Brain receptor tracers; Tumor specific tracers: brain tumors and peripheral tumors. All of this coupled to practical exercices for in vivo evaluation in laboratory animals: Contrast enhancing agents used in radiology and magnetic resonance imaging. In vivo 'reporter gene' visualisation using optical (BLI) and radionuclide imaging. Molecular and cellular imaging of the hart. Practicum: Multimodal imaging: practical examples (incl. ICMIC lab visit). Practicum: Image fusion and biodistribution analysis .  Tracers & probes: Labeling of bio-molecules (glucose analogs, amino acid analogs, antibodies, lectins, avidins, …) and visualization (photon emission coupled to radiolabelling, fluorescence, bioluminescence, …). Fluorescent proteins (GFPs & other); bioluminescence receptor gene-imaging. Detection of  nucleic acids (genomics) and proteins (proteomics). Probes for cytoskeleton, cell organelles, lipids & membranes, … Probes for endocytosis, receptors, ion channels, signal transduction. Probes for reactive oxygen species (ROS, NO); assays for cell function (viability, proliferation, …). Indicators for ions (Ca 2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, …) & pH. Fluorescerent cell tracers (membrane permeable, polar, lipophilic, dextrans, microsheres, protein conjugates,...). Ultra sensitive detection methods (BLI, confocal 'live cell imaging',...). 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Exercise sessions Seminars (possible question and answer sessions) Practical sessions Personal work: Assignments - individual Project-based work - individual 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Continuous assessment: Assignments Presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material Course documents; Websites; Notes and copies of slides and literature. 7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring During the last course day, time will be reserved for discussing the most important parts of the cours and possible problems. laatste aanpassing: last update: 11/09/2007 16:04 dirk.adriaensen