Venue : CGFB
Goran Angelovski
Priv.-Doz. Dr. MR Neuroimaging Agents,
MPI for Biological Cybernetics,
Tuebingen, Germany
Invited by ">Yannick Crémillieux
DR CNRS ISM (UMR 5255)
Université de Bordeaux
Goran ANGELOVSKI received a diploma degree from the University in Belgrade, Ph.D. degree from the University in Dortmund and venia legendi (habilitation) from the University of Tuebingen. He is currently a research group leader at the MPI for Biological Cybernetics in Tuebingen. His research interests include the development of responsive molecular probes for functional MRI applications, from their preparation, to the final in vivo utilization.
Abstract
Molecular fMRI with Bioresponsive Probes Bioresponsive or smart contrast agents (SCAs) can substantially improve specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in studying processes on molecular and cellular level. These probes are capable of alternating the MR image contrast upon change in the local environment, thus reporting the occurrence of a particular physiological or pathological process. Over the past several years, we developed a series of paramagnetic and biocompatible SCAs that strongly respond to calcium ions and amino acid neurotransmitters. Moreover, we validated their functionality in various MRI experiments in vitro, ex vivo, as well as in vivo. The most prominent example is utilization of a calcium-sensitive MRI probe for early detection and monitoring of brain ischemia. Wider involvement of this novel fMRI methodology can offer excellent perspectives for direct visualization and mapping of neural activity in unprecedented fashion.