Projects
Nanoparticles
We are synthesizing novel nanoparticles as contrast agents and smart drug carriers for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Also, we are using clinically approved nanoparticles to develop novel cancer treatment strategies.
Lab Members: Elizabeth Isaac, Ali Sonay, Evan Stater and Qize Zhang
PSMA in tumor neovasculature
Elevated PSMA expression is characteristic for prostate cancer and associated with progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Importantly, increased levels of PSMA are also found on the neovasculature of the majority solid non-prostatic tumors. To investigate the biology of PSMA in tumor neovasculature in collaboration with Nortis (Seattle) we have established an innovative bioengineering approach. Organ on-a-chip platform allow us to grow a vascularized tumor with microenvironment in vitro, where cells are allowed to migrate and self-organize into three-dimensional structures similar to that found in vivo. By growing tumors on-a-chip, we are able to control tumor microenvironment, precisely monitor real-time changes in vessels and evaluate response to PSMA targeted therapies.
Lab Members: Charlene Hsu, Magdalena Skubal and Anuja Ogirala
Cerenkov Imaging
Cerenkov luminescence is generated when charged particles (positrons or electrons from radioactive decay) travel through a dielectric medium faster than the speed of light in that medium such as biological tissue. In our lab, we are exploring the wide possibilities Cerenkov imaging provides for various applications. This includes developing and testing numerous preclinical and clinical methods for capturing Cerenkov luminescence from administered radioisotopes. This ranges from approved clinical compounds to newly developed tracers. We are also investigating the range of applications for Cerenkov imaging to further realize its potential impact such as the secondary excitation of fluorescent dyes.
Lab Members: Ben Mc Larney, Ryo Tamura and Magdalena Skubal
Optoacoustic Imaging
Optoacoustic imaging combines the strengths of both optical and ultrasound imaging. Nanosecond pulses of light are sent into tissue causing it to rapidly expand and contract producing an ultrasound fingerprint of the light absorption. We are employing optoacoustic imaging across a range of imaging scales to decipher the functional and anatomical mysteries of cancer imaging. This modality enables us to elucidate processes such as angiogenesis or tumor oxygenation levels at a spatiotemporal scale no other modality can currently provide.
Lab Members: Magdalena Skubal, Ali Sonay and Benedict Mc Larney