Imaging Unit

Objectives

The Imaging Unit offers cutting-edge imaging technology for in-depth exploration of animal and tissue models, emphasizing molecular imaging to support the development of drugs and tracers.

Areas of impact and applications in the field

Focusing on molecular imaging for drug and tracer development using micro-PET/CT is beneficial for the non-invasive investigation of animal models for the following reasons:

  • information is obtained in the context of the entire organism and is digitized, allowing for better analysis and quantification (e.g., compared to histology)
  • longitudinal studies can be carried out
  • as PET/CT imaging is already employed in clinical and research studies in humans, existing preclinical techniques can be easily translated to the clinical arena.
  • reverse translation from clinical to preclinical levels is also possible by simulating clinical cases in animal models and thereby improving clinical diagnosis, as well as researching the molecular processes involved in disease progression.

In this specific context, the Imaging Unit enhances AnkaTheraHub’s theranostic capabilities. It supports the demands of a diverse spectrum of investigators, particularly those who desire to use cutting-edge in-vivo imaging to progress their research. 

Micro PET/CT: Mr Solutions - MRS PET/CT 120
Micro Radiation System: XSTRAHL - CIX3
In Vivo Imaging System: MILabs U-OI IN-VIVO IMAGING SYSTEM

  • Areas of impact and applications in the field

    Regarding cancer research, synthetic biology seeks to re-design biological systems to perform novel functions in a predictable way. Recent advances in bacterial and mammalian cell engineering include the development of cells that function in biological samples or within the body as minimally invasive diagnostics or theranostics for the real-time regulation of complex pathological conditions. Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell-based biosensors and therapeutics have been developed to target a wide range of diseases including cancer.

    A major milestone in the field of theranostic cell engineering was the 2017 FDA approval of tisagenlecleucel, the first gene therapy to be approved in the USA. Considering the above, this facility will work on preclinical applications of mammalian sensing and drug delivery platforms as well as underlying biological designs that could lead to new classes of cell diagnostics and therapeutics.

    In the context of infectious diseases, there is a growing need for novel, specific, sensitive, and effective diagnostic and treatment procedures. Synthetic systems and devices are evolving into strong tools for treating human infections. The advancement of synthetic biology provides platforms for detecting and preventing infectious diseases that are efficient, accurate, and cost-effective.

Services

  • PET-CT scanning of small animals
  • Irradiation of small animals
  • In vivo imaging of small animals

    • List of Equipments

    Equipment name
    Make
    Model
    Photo
    Equipment name:
    Micro Radiation System
    Make:
    XSTRAHL
    Model:
    CIX3
    Equipment name:
    Micro PET/CT
    Make:
    MR Solutions
    Model:
    MRS PET/CT 120
    Equipment name:
    In-Vivo Imaging System
    Make:
    MILabs
    Model:
    U-OI IN-VIVI IMAGING SYSTEM

    Staff

    Prof. Dr. Özlem Küçük
    Ankara University
    Unit Lead
    research, development, R&D, imaging, laboratory, healthcare, theranostics products, healthcare industry, innovation, health, diagnosis
    AnkaTheraHub is dedicated to promoting the R&D capacity of the healthcare industry in Türkiye, with a focus on SMEs to produce high-added and high-tech innovative theranostics products in the field of cancer and infectious diseases.