Cosyne 2008 Workshops
March 3-4, 2008
Snow Bird, Utah
Speaker Name
Alan Jasanoff
Talk Title
MRI contrast agents for functional molecular imaging of brain activity
Talk Abstract
Noninvasive but precise measurements of brain activity could be made with MRI contrast agents sensitive to aspects of neuronal function. Here we discuss contrast agents my laboratory is creating for this purpose. We have synthesized indicators for intracellular calcium and other ions, based on nanoparticle and small organic molecular platforms. Using a new high throughput selection approach, we have also identified protein-based sensors for the neurotransmitter dopamine. We present validation of some of these MRI sensors in cellular systems, and discuss ongoing work to apply the new imaging agents in intact animals.
