Animal Models
"Animal Imaging Library" for validation of molecular markers in vitro and in vivo
Future progress of diagnostic molecular imaging relies on the development of new probes directed to molecules that are significant for the onset and development of disease. An intimate and dynamic interaction between basic biomedical and imaging research establishments within the DiMI network will lead to the identification of new molecular targets suitable for imaging techniques used in diagnosis.
Translation of the newest basic research advances on the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases to imaging for diagnostic purposes is a complex process that requires highly specialised research teams with expertises in separate areas of knowledge. The aim is to monitor pathological disturbances in living animals using non-invasive imaging techniques including micro-PET, micro-SPECT, micro-MRI, micro-CT and optical imaging.
The main goal in this topic is the creation of an “animal model library” for image validation in the three respective main topics (neuroscience, cardio-vascular, inflammation). A bidirectional knowledge transfer from basic to imaging (a) and vice versa (b) is expected, promoted and encouraged:
a) from basic to imaging laboratories will promote the identification of molecular targets for diagnostic imaging and the input for chemical probe development;
b) from imaging to basic research laboratories will enable us to translate the diagnostic objectives and application benefits, accounting for the technical constrains and study limitations of imaging for clinical diagnosis.
