Bioluminescence/Fluorescence small animal scanner

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546996111

We hereby apply for a bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging (BLI/FLI) device to be integrated into the imaging area within the animal facility of the interdisciplinary corporate research center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM). Central pillars of research linking the working groups in TransaTUM are: research into signal transduction and interaction between tumor cells and the immune system, identification of target structures and molecules for diagnosis and treatment, and the development of novel sensing, imaging and analysis techniques that will lead to earlier cancer diagnosis and promote precision medicine. This research requires diverse types of animal models to explore tumorigenesis, progression, and novel therapies. BLI/FLI imaging is an established key methodology supporting such research. The envisioned applications of BLI/FLI imaging at TranslaTUM include imaging of genetically modified mouse models expressing either a luciferase or a fluorescent protein. At TranslaTUM we host experts in the generation of clinically relevant (including immunocompetent) mouse models (e.g. by CRISPR/Cas technology) and a dedicated Genetic engineering core unit (GECU) for the generation of new animal models. With the help of the BLI/FLI scanner, animals can be screened regularly to detect the emergence of the phenotype at an early stage, track it over time and monitor different kinds of treatments. Another important application is the tracking of immune cells and/or tumor cells. For example, the fate of CAR-T cells after i.v. application or the immigration of immune cells or macrophages into tumor tissue after therapeutic application can be investigated. Furthermore, we plan to perform imaging studies using exogenously applied tumor-specific fluorescent probes, e.g. to measure the biodistribution of tumor-specific ligands, to determine the expression of biomarkers or to develop contrast agents for intraoperative surgery. Integration of the BLI/FLI instrument into the TranslaTUM's existing Core Facility for Preclinical Imaging (PICTUM) will create a reliable multi-user setting, as the operator of the Core Facility (MRI's Department of Nuclear Medicine) will manage access and operation of the instrument. The PICTUM is located within the hygiene area of the animal facility of the same, allowing for longitudinal imaging studies. To ensure the optimal performance of the BLI/FLI device over the long term, a maintenance contract will be concluded that covers a period of 10 years. Other equipment currently already operated by the PICTUM includes a preclinical PET/MR and a SPECT/CT. A BLI/FLI device would ideally complement the existing devices through its high throughput and broad application and expand the methodological spectrum to include bioluminescence and fluorescence detection. To conduct the planned research, a device that covers 400-900 nm is needed.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Biolumineszenz/Fluoreszenz Scanner für Kleintiere
• Instrumentation Group: 5230 Densitometer, Mikrophotometer, Fluoreszenz-, Lumineszenz-Imagingsysteme
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Leader: Professorin Susanne Kossatz, Ph.D.