Periodic Reporting for period 2 - INSCAPE (Imaging Voltage Gated Sodium Channels Using Positron Emission Tomography)
Berichtszeitraum: 2017-05-15 bis 2018-05-14
The overall educational objective was to provide training in chemical synthesis, small molecule analytics, radiochemistry, and molecular imaging to the researcher. These training goals were efficiently achieved by the mentorship and hands-on training at the partner institutions as well as attendance to educational workshops.
The molecular basis for achieving our overall objective of imaging voltage gated sodium channels (NaVs) with positron emission tomography (PET) was the organic synthesis of small molecules binders, and precursor molecules for radioactive labeling with the clinically relevant isotope 18F. In addition to assembling a small library of molecular candidates, this work also included establishing purification protocols for HPLC and investigation of different labeling methodologies. The main result was the design of new imaging probes and a reliable and efficient chemical and radiochemical protocol granting access to these novel entities, which allowed us to proceed to the next project stage.
Autoradiography and Molecular Imaging:
With potential imaging probes in hand, we proceeded to test their ability to visualize NaVs in primary tissue by autoradiography (AR). After successfully identifying the most powerful tool, we further investigated ligand binding kinetics and found highly advantageous properties. Subsequently, the imaging probe was applied for non-invasive in vivo imaging by means of small animal PET. The major result was successfully demonstrating the ability of our unique and novel imaging tool to visualize NaVs in vivo. Motivated by this ground-breaking achievement,we further investigated the translational potential of our imaging technology and confirmed applicability to human tissue and large animal imaging.
Exploitation and dissemination:
These results were the basis of a patent application, which preceded a peer-reviewed publication and a presentation at a conference.
This impactful scientific progress translated into major positive career impact for the researcher in conjunction with the achieved training goals. Most importantly, the researcher has been offered a position as assistant professor in a tenure track program at a European university, which he accepted during the action.