Translational Molecular Imaging
- Imaging and Radiooncology
Prof. Dr. Leif Schröder
Abteilungsleitung Translationale Molekulare Bildgebung
The research of the Division of Translational Molecular Imaging focuses on the development and characterization of targeted contrast agents in the context of novel detection techniques for diagnostic applications in oncology. We aim to visualize important molecular changes in the occurrence and progression of cancer at an early stage and benefit from the strong interdisciplinary tradition of magnetic resonance in Heidelberg.
Image: Illustration credits: Barth van Rossum, FMP.,
Spin physics for ultra-sensitive MR imaging
New approaches for better diagnostics
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is relatively insensitive and therefore usually only shows the signals of fat and water molecules. However, it has the advantage of being able to do without ionizing radiation and to show deeper tissue with excellent soft tissue contrast. Until now, however, tumors have often only been detected when they exceed a certain size and already contain billions of cells. The combination with contrast agents, which visualize biochemical changes such as the metabolism of the tumour or cellular markers at a much earlier stage, has therefore been a long-standing goal in MRI research.
A central component of this is to increase the sensitivity of MRI. Translation from physics is used here to exploit the quantum mechanical properties of nuclear spins in order to achieve increased magnetization for a 10,000-fold increase in signal. In combination with molecular biotechnology methods, we integrate these spin systems into reporters that target cancer-specific markers. Our methods are based in particular on the harmless noble gas xenon, which can be put into a state of extremely high magnetization using powerful lasers. The methods we have developed have already increased the hyperpolarization of xenon for these applications by a factor of 15 and reduced the detection limit by a factor of 100,000. Overall, we can visualize target molecules in images after 100 s, where conventional MRI would otherwise take 1100 years.
Since the spin systems in living tissue only retain the previously prepared state for a limited time, it is also of central importance to understand the physical principles of these processes and to further optimize the reporters. A paradigm shift in the generation, delivery and encoding of spin magnetization is crucial in order to use it for new diagnostic methods.
Selected projects
Koselleck project multivalent host structures
The addressing of target molecules by molecular units, which are then combined as reporters with hyperpolarized atoms in situ only after their binding to cells in a second step, enormously expands the range of applications of hyperpolarized MRI. In this interdisciplinary project, which is funded by the DFG's highly endowed Koselleck Programme, novel nanocarriers are being developed that can accommodate a large number of hyperpolarized atoms in the tissue. More info
Team
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Prof. Dr. Leif Schröder
Abteilungsleitung Translationale Molekulare Bildgebung
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Sandra Casula
Administrative Assistant for Divisions E041, E270 and E280
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Viktoria Bayer
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Hannah Gerbeth
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Dr. Jabadurai Jayapaul
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Luca Kempny
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Dr. Alexandra Lipka
Research scientist
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Chun Yat Lee
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Samuel Lehr
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Sophia Seufert
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Dr. Patrick Werner
Postdoc Biologie
Methods
MRI experiments are performed on a 400 MHz extra-wide-bore NMR magnet with an Avance Neo console. The gradient system is capable of achieving amplitudes of 150 G/cm. Different coils for proton and X-nucleus detection are available. More info
Teaching and theses
Winter semester:
(planned from 2025: NMR Physics of Coupled Spin Systems)
Summer semester:
Medical Physics 2 (together with PD Dr. Kuder)
Joint events together with the Divison of Medical Physics in Radiology
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