Functional MRI for Brain Imaging: Design and synthesis of DOTA-based Gd contrast agents for tracking neurotransmitter

• Applicant: Dr. Jessica Wahsner
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry ; Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 320225462

The overall goal of this project is to develop novel molecular magnetic resonance probes for neuroimaging applications. Such sensors can be employed in selective neurotransmitter imaging approaches in the living brain (in this project: glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) by using non-invasive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The aim of this technique is to obtain new insights into the mechanisms of neural functions and, moreover, it could be crucial for the diagnosis and therapy of brain disorders. To meet this goal, in a collaboration between Peter Caravan (Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School) and Alan Jasanoff (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), we will conjugate molecular MRI contrast agents to appropriate protein domains. The gadolinium based contrast agent provides the requested MR signal, while the corresponding biomolecule selectively binds specific neurotransmitters. Hence, the combination of these properties within one bioconjugate forms the basis for a new family of MRI sensors. Appropriate MRI contrast agents that are required for the preparation of such bioconjugates can be generated in great diversity employing the modular synthetic strategies. The properties of the resulting sensors will be characterized using magnetic resonance measurements to identify neurotransmitter sensitive probes suitable for fMRI applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Peter Caravan