Early multimodal biomarker imaging: MRI and PET
A streamlined strategy for preclinical evaluation of disease progression and therapeutic response in neurodegenerative disorders, integrating structural and functional network analysis within a single MRI session. This approach incorporates anatomical imaging to enable precise co-registration across MRI modalities and between PET and MRI, thereby maximising data yield while minimising animal scan time.
Picture description: Example of a combined multi-modal platform of PET and MRI biomarkers for the rodent (mouse) brain, as published by our research team: Adhikari et al., Sci Rep, 2023; Vasilkovska et al., Neurobiol Dis, 2023; Bertoglio et al., Science Transl Med, 2022; Bertoglio et J Nucl Med, 2022; Bertoglio et al., Mol Neurobiol, 2020; Bertoglio et al., J Nucl Med, 2018; Bertoglio et al., Mol Imaging Biol, 2021; Bertoglio et al., Plos One 2018; …
Technology/service
- Our processing pipelines are optimised for the co-registration of the PET readout and the anatomical MRI, visualising the different outcomes in the same anatomical space.
- Our methodology allows us to explore the relationship between different areas of the brain in response to treatment or other changes. This includes temporal characterisation and establishment of causal patterns.
- The combined biomarker readouts have an increased predictive value allowing for an enhanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms of progression of the neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, we can provide an early evaluation of the efficacy of potential treatments.
Figure Description: This figure highlights the pathologies of our own academic interest. The biomarker platform can be applied in a broader range of diseases.
Partners we search for
Industrial partners ranging from pharmaceutical to biotech and health-tech as well as CROs and other MRI/PET service providers.
About the researchers/research group
The Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp and Bio-Imaging Lab bring their small animal imaging expertise together in the MICA-BIL core facility.
- Prof. Dr. Marleen Verhoye, Bio-Imaging Lab; MRI physicist
- Prof. Dr. Daniele Bertoglio, Bio-Imaging Lab; Multimodal neuroimaging
- Prof. Dr. MD Steven Staelens, Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp; Translational Studies
- Prof. Dr. Filipe Elvas, Center for Radiopharmaceuticals Antwerp; Radioligand development
More information
University of Antwerp
Middelheimlaan 1
2020 Antwerp - Belgium