MRE

Experimental

About Group

The group is primarily focused on in vivo imaging experiments. We use different animal models (mice or rats) to study a variety of pathological conditions: from diabetes to cancer. Our group participate in the development and testing of new contrast agents for ¹H, ¹⁹F, ³¹P MR and co-own one patent. We also develop radio frequency coils for magnetic resonance (we own one patent) and develop our own software for spectrum analysis.

Currently, our group is mostly focused on three basic areas:

1. ¹⁹F MR imaging

We test ¹⁹F MRI multimodal contrast agents developed in collaboration with Charles University, the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ghent University and the University of Augsburg. These probes should enable unambiguous detection of transplanted pancreatic islets and quantify their survival. In vitro/in vivo experiments are being carried out in collaboration with the Langerhans Islets Laboratory in IKEM.

2. ³¹P MR imaging 

We test ³¹P MRI multimodal and responsive contrast agents developed in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry. These probes represent a completely new type of contrast agents and are expected to be used as effective drug delivery systems. Some of them change their properties depending on the environment (eg. presence of reactive oxygen species).

3. ¹H MR imaging

In cooperation with the Institute of Experimental Medicine, we participate in the studies of brain ischemia and glioblastoma. In cooperation with Palacky University, the University of Augsburg and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, we test multimodal contrast agents based on gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles or gadolinium. In cooperation with the University of Umea, we carry out pancreatic MR imaging. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Langerhans Islets Laboratory in IKEM, we provide MR measurements  of the pancreatic islets in various transplant sites (liver, kidney capsule, omentum).