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Ways to give Why giving matters Make a gift online Support Children's Health Support Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and child and maternal health Ways to give How your gift helps Make an online gift Back About About us News Contacts Maps & directions Leadership Vision Diversity Global health Community engagement Events How you can help Stanford School of Medicine Stanford Health Care Stanford Children's Health Back Site Search Submit Search Query Research Laboratories The Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS) brings together scientists who share a common interest in developing and using state-of-the-art imaging technology and developing molecular imaging assays for studying biological systems. Airan Laboratory PI: Raag Airan, MD, PhD The Airan Lab is centered on developing novel noninvasive techniques to precisely deliver drugs to the brain, to mediate more precise control of neural activity, in addition to other therapeutic effects. We are principally focused on techniques that have an immediate pathway for clinical translation. Currently, we primarily use focused ultrasound to mediate these effects, given recent advances that allow us to place a sonication focus within most any brain region of interest, completely noninvasively, and with high spatial and temporal resolution. Visit the Airan Lab website Blood-brain Barrier Translational Laboratory PI: Gerald Grant, MD, FACS My research interest focuses on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We aim to selectively open the blood-brain barrier to allow drugs and immunotherapy to reach brain tumors. Our laboratory is highly translational to treat pediatric brain tumors and functions to bridge the preclinical gap by improving our ability to get promising targeted therapy across the BBB. The development of a cranial window technique for intravital microscopy has provided a major advance in the acquisition of live dynamic images of the brain microvasculature and its response to various techniques to open the BBB around tumors. We also use high resolution MRI to follow the BBB in vivo using dynamic contrast enhanced imaging. Visit the Grant Lab website Cancer Biology Laboratory (CBL) PI: Dean Felsher, MD, PhD This lab employs model systems whereby we can conditionally regulate oncogene expression in human or mouse cells in vitro or in mice. We incorporate state-of-the-art methods of molecular imaging, and computational analysis to examine and model tumorigenesis. We have a particular focus on examining when and how oncogene inactivation can be used to treat human cancer. Our work has uncovered the notion that tumors can be "oncogene addicted". We have shown that oncogene addiction involves both tumor intrinsic as well as host (immune) dependent mechanisms. We examine three questions: How does oncogene activation cause cancer? How and when does oncogene inactivation cause cancer to regress? How can we predict when oncogene inactivation will cure cancer? Visit the Felsher Lab website Cancer Molecular Imaging Chemistry Laboratory (CMICL) PI: Zhen Cheng, PhD The overall objective of this laboratory is to develop novel molecular imaging probes and techniques for non-invasive detection of cancer and its metastasis at the earliest stage, so that cancer can be cured or transformed into a chronic, manageable disease. The techniques developed in my research will allow a close examination of the molecular, metabolic and physiological characteristics of cancers and their responses to therapy. In order to achieve this goal, my lab is aimed to identify novel cancer biomarkers with significant clinical relevance, develop new chemistry for probes preparation, and validate new strategies for probes high-throughput screening. Visit the Cheng Lab website Cardiovascular Gene and Cell Therapy Laboratory (CGCT) PI: Joseph Wu, MD, PhD Dr. Wu received his MD from Yale University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine and cardiology at UCLA followed by a PhD in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology. His clinical interests involve cardiovascular imaging and adult congenital heart disease. Dr. Wu has published >300 manuscripts. His lab works on biological mechanisms of patient-specific and disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The main goals are for (i) understanding basic cardiovascular disease mechanisms, (ii) accelerate drug discovery and screening, and (iii) develop personalized medicine and ìclinical trial in a dishî platforms. His lab uses a combination of genomics, stem cells, cellular & molecular biology, physiological testing, and molecular imaging technologies to better understand molecular and pathophysiological processes. Visit the Wu Lab website Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (CMIL) PI: Jianghong Rao, PhD This laboratory is currently focusing on three major areas of research: 1) rapid detection and imaging of bacterial infection, especially antibiotics-resistant bacteria and mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), 2) understanding and imaging tumor response to treatment, and 3) imaging-guided tumor resection. Towards these goals, we are developing new molecular probes and imaging strategies to image and interrogate a broad range of molecular targets, from enzymes like hydrolases (beta-lactamases), proteases (such as caspases and MMPs), DNA polymerases (PARP-1), to reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also exploring nanoparticles and developing nanotechnologies in order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detection and imaging. Through innovation in probe chemistry and nanotechnology, we strive to provide new solutions to these important problems in global health, cancer biology and therapy. Visit the Rao Lab website Cellular & Molecular MRI Laboratory (CMMRIL) PI: Brian Rutt, PhD This laboratory is interested in developing and using in-vivo ultra-high field (e.g. 7 Tesla) Magnetic Resonance techniques to study human diseases. The increased sensitivity and enhanced contrast mechanisms at these high field strengths should provide insight to unsolved problems, especially in neuroscience and cancer. Projects involve iron-loaded cell tracking, down to the single cell level, as well as the development and application of novel MR probes (contrast agents) for improved visualization and quantification of specific physiological as well as cellular and molecular processes. Visit the Rutt Lab website Cellular Pathway Imaging Laboratory (CPIL) PI: Ramasamy Paulmurugan, PhD Developing novel imaging assays for studying cellular signal transduction networks in living animals; Imaging the role of epigenetic histone methylation in the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions of cancers; Ultrasound-microbubble mediated imaging of guided targeted drug and antisense-microRNAs delivery that functionally alters cellular homeostasis, thereby enhancing response to chemotherapy for clinically difficult aggressive and metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; Understanding the role of cancers antioxidant chemopreventive mechanism to improve therapeutic efficiency by overcoming the drug resistance facilitated by Nrf2-mediated phase II enzymes; Developing multifunctional gene therapy system to improve TNBC therapy. Visit the Paulmurugan Lab website de la Zerda Laboratory PI: Adam de la Zerda, PhD This laboratory aims to build imaging instrumentation and chemical tools that can visualize the complex behavior of biomolecules in living subjects. The expression patterns of many biomolecules (e.g.: signaling factors and posttranslational modifications) changes in time, space and local environments. Understanding these changes in the context of living tissues may give rise to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and can further reveal new molecular mechanisms not otherwise visible in traditional biochemical studies. We have pioneered Photoacoustic molecular imaging and are actively developing new optical imaging instrumentation to visualize these complex behaviors in cancer and ophthalmic disease animal models. Our research efforts span both basic science and clinically translatable work. Visit the de la Zerda Lab website Ferrara Laboratory PI: Katherine Ferrara, PhD The Ferrara laboratory has projects spanning all aspects of image-guided drug delivery. Major areas of interest include the fusion of images between ultrasound, PET, MRI and CT, the development of activatable drug delivery vehicles, and the development of molecularly-targeted drug delivery vehicles. Members of our laboratory bring expertise in many areas including biomedical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, material science, chemistry, and biology. Visit the Ferrara Lab website Image Guided Intervention Laboratory (IGIL) PI: Lei Xing, PhD This laboratory is focused on image instrumentation, X-ray molecular imaging, image reconstruction, image processing, radiation therapy treatment planning, and image guided intervention. The group is developing novel solutions to advance various clinical imaging modalities such as CT, cone beam CT (CBCT), MRI, and PET, and investigating new strategies for molecular imaging and molecular image-guided therapeutics and treatment response assessment. We are also working on applications of big data in radiation oncology and data-driven image analysis and treatment planning techniques. Visit the Xing Lab website Image Guided Surgery Laboratory PI: Eben Rosenthal, MD This laboratory effort focuses on development and clinical translation of technologies that will improve the success of surgeons to efficiently remove cancer with negative margins. The lab focuses on integrating novel optical dye technology, open field and closed system optical imaging hardware systems, and new probe development to allow for safe and successful translation to the operating room and pathology suite. We are investigating the utility of fluorescently labeled therapeutic antibodies to image subclinical disease in real time during surgery resections in a range of cancer types including head and neck, brain, and pancreatic cancer.Furthermore, we exploring barriers to drug delivery and molecular imaging of tumor response during targeted therapy in preclinical and clinical studies. Visit the Rosenthal Lab website Imaging Radiobiology Laboratory (IRL) PI: Ted Graves, PhD This laboratory is focused on understanding tumor and normal tissue radiation response through the development and application of molecular imaging techniques. This goal is pursued through work spanning technique development, basic research, and clinical translation. We are a multi-disciplinary group with expertise in engineering, biology, chemistry, medicine, and computer science, and have developed a variety of methods of noninvasively detecting and quantifying molecular and physiologic aspects of radiation and tumor biology, including oxygen concentrations, hypoxia-regulated gene expression, metabolism, and cell migration. In addition, in order to evaluate the relevance of these molecular factors to clinical radiation therapy, we have developed a system for the delivery of clinically-similar image-guided conformal radiotherapy to small animals. This myriad of tools is being applied to elucidate the molecular, cellular, and clinical consequences of radiation exposure and cancer therapy. Visit the Graves Lab website Interventional Regenerative Medicine and Imaging Laboratory (IRMIL) PI: Avnesh Thakor, MD, PhD We are currently investigating the developmental programming of beta cells within pancreatic islets to understand the fetal origins of diabetes and the intrauterine programming of these cells using novel anatomical and functional imaging techniques. As the physiology and associated pathology of islets are better understood, we hope to be able to translate our basic science findings into the clinical setting in relation to beta cell transplantation using minimally invasive techniques with image guidance. The second arm of our research is on pancreatic cancer, especially with respect to developing and translating novel molecular guided therapies using minimally invasive image-guided techniques. One area which we are focusing on is the development of new nanoparticle platforms, for both imaging and therapy, and the delivery of these platforms into different experimental models of pancreatic cancer. The Thakor Lab is also interested in developing and translating new bio-sensing technologies which can offer "Precision Medicine" to both pediatric and adult patients. Visit the Thakor Lab website Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Neuroimaging (LEMNI) PI: Tarik Massoud, MD, PhD We focus on molecular and translational imaging of the brain especially in neuro-oncology. We develop novel experimental and molecular imaging techniques for theranostic applications in glioblastoma, both to interrogate fundamental biological events, and to use in new anticancer therapeutic strategies. Generally, this includes the in vivo imaging of gene expression and protein-protein interactions using reporter assays, as well as cellular and nano-imaging. Other emerging research interests include new glioma radiotracer development, studying the p53 transcriptional network in glioblastoma, imaging protein folding and misfolding in cancer, and developing novel nanoparticle-based drug and microRNA formulations for ultra-targeted treatments in endovascular neuro-oncology applications. MR Translational Imaging Laboratory PI: Andreas Loening, MD, PhD The lab focuses on expanding the capability of MR and PET/MR as it relates to applications in body imaging. This includes evaluating new MR sequences, contrast mechanisms, and contrast agents, as well as combining PET molecular imaging agents with MRI. Particular research focuses within body imaging include detection of cancer within the prostate, identifying metastatic disease involvement of lymph nodes, and MR protocol optimization for robustness and diagnostic capability. Mari Aparici Laboratory PI: Carina Mari Aparici, MD The research interest of the Mari Aparici Lab resides in translational Molecular Imaging from preclinical to bed side. We are particularly interested in the field of Theranostics, with a focus in the development and clinical translation of diagnostic and therapeutic pared molecular-probes that allow for specific internal radio-treatments at the cellular level. The goal is to bring to the clinical arena promising alpha and beta emitter-molecular probes that may allow for more precise, effective and efficient systemic therapies with maximum sparing of benign tissues and minimal side effects. Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory (MIIL) PI: Craig Levin, PhD This laboratory is interested in the development of novel instrumentation and software algorithms for in vivo imaging of molecular signals in humans and small laboratory animals. The goals of the instrumentation projects are to push the sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and/or temporal resolutions as far as physically possible. The algorithm goals are to understand the physical system comprising the subject tissues, radiation transport, and imaging system, and to provide the best available image quality and quantitative accuracy. The work involves computer modeling, position sensitive sensors, readout electronics, data acquisition, image formation, image processing, and data/image analysis algorithms, and incorporating these innovations into practical imaging devices. The ultimate goal is to introduce these new imaging tools into studies of molecular mecha- nisms and treatments of disease within living subjects. Visit the Levin Lab website Biswal Lab for Pain Imaging PI: Sandip Biswal, MD We are developing and validating new imaging approaches to enable early and accurate detection of the molecular underpinnings of pain by helping develop PET radiotracers (also referred to as 'tracers' or 'probes' or 'radioligands') or repurposing FDA-approved radiotracers designed to specifically pinpoint pro-nociceptive pathology. After injecting a tracer intravenously into a volunteer, the tracer will localize to parts of the body which sends pain signals. We then take a picture of the location of the tracer using a device called positron emission tomography/magnetc resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The images obtained are evaluated and discussed with the referring physician. Visit the Biswal Lab website Multimodality Molecular Imaging Laboratory (MMIL) PI: Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD My laboratory is developing imaging assays to monitor fundamental cellular/molecular events in living subjects including patients. Technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET), optical (fluorescence, bioluminescence, Raman), ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging are all under active investigation. Imaging agents for multiple modalities including small molecules, engineered proteins, and nanoparticles are under development and being clinically translated. Our goals are to detect cancer early and to better manage cancer through the use of both in vitro diagnostics and molecular imaging. Strategies are being tested in small animal models and are also being clinically translated. Visit the Gambhir Lab website Neuroimmune Imaging Research & Discovery Laboratory PI: Michelle James, PhD The primary aim of our lab is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases by developing translational molecular imaging agents for visualizing neuroimmune interactions underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. We are researching how the brain and its resident immune cells interact with the peripheral immune system at very early, through to late, stages of disease. Our approach involves the discovery and characterization of clinically relevant immune cell biomarkers, followed by the design of imaging agents specifically targeting these biomarkers. After preclinical validation, we translate promising imaging probes to the clinic to enable precision targeting of immunomodulatory therapeutics and real-time monitoring of treatment response. We are a passionate group of researchers, excited about the impact these approaches could have on the lives of those suffering from debilitating brain diseases. Visit the James Lab website Nieman Laboratory PI: Koen Nieman, MD, PhD Dr. Nieman is a cardiologist and associate professor in the departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Radiology. He investigates advanced cardiac imaging techniques, and current projects include the development and technical validation of functional CT applications for ischemic heart disease, and the clinical validation of cardiac CT in the form of clinical effectiveness trials. Nuclear Medicine Research Laboratory (IRMIL) PI: Francis Blankenberg, MD This laboratory is interested in: The use of annexin V, a phosphatidylserine binding protein, to reverse tumor immunosuppression in models of breast cancer. The study of bacteriophage imaging and therapy of pseudomonas acute/chronic pulmonary infections in mice. The use of Tc99m-HMPAO SPECT (a marker of intracellular glutathione) as an imaging biomarker of inherited and acquired mitochondrial disease in the brain and other mitochondrial rich organs in children and adults. Application of bioinformatics / FTIR microspectroscopy in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Advance Light Source Division to study oxidative stress in live single cell fibroblasts and derived neurons from patients with inherited mitochondrial disease. Visit the Blankenberg Lab website Pediatric Molecular Imaging Laboratory PI: Heike E. Daldrup-Link, MD Our NIH-funded team of basic science researchers and physician scientists develops novel imaging solutions for pediatric patients with the goal to tackle significant problems encountered in clinical practice. We have extensive expertise in pre-clinical development and clinical translation of novel imaging technologies at the intersection of cell biology, nanomedicine and medical imaging: We developed “one stop” imaging tests for pediatric cancer staging, theranostic nanoparticles for cancer therapy without side effects, and patented techniques for stem cell tracking in patients. We recently initiated a collaborative program with 20 faculty from 9 Departments, who develop an imaging test for prediction and early treatment of tissue injuries after chemotherapy (PREDICT). Over the past 10 years, our team members received 77 honors and awards. Visit the Daldrup-Link Lab website Precision Biosystems PI: Gozde Durmus, PhD This labs research lies at the interface of biology, engineering, nanotechnology, and medicine. We develop and apply translational micro/nanotechnologies to study cellular heterogeneity and complex biological systems for single cell analysis and precision medicine. At this unique nexus, we apply key biological principles to design engineering platforms. Our research philosophy is to apply these platforms to fundamentally understand and address the mechanisms of disease (i.e., cancer, infections). We have demonstrated magnetic levitation of living cells and its application to detect minute differences in densities at the single-cell level. We apply this unique tool to perform ultra-sensitive density measurements, magnetic blueprinting, imaging, sorting and profiling of hundreds of cells and rare biological materials in seconds in real-time at a single-cell resolution. We have sorted rare circulating tumor markers and cells from patient whole blood using label-free levitation methods, which cut cross multiple disciplines of magnetics, microfluidics and molecular biology. Visit the Durmus Lab website Radiation Biophysics Laboratory PI: Guillem Pratx, PhD The goal of the Radiation Biophysics laboratory to create entirely new technologies that address unanswered needs in the lab or the clinic. Our major focus is on ionizing radiation and how it can be used for imaging and therapeutic applications. Combining a variety of physical approaches such as biomedical optics, radiation sensing, computing, nanotechnology, and microfabrication, our work spans a wide breadth of application, from answering biological questions at the single cell level to improving the accuracy of radiation treatments. The lab is part of the Medical Physics division, in Radiation Oncology. Visit the Pratx Lab website Research and Diagnosis of Disease from MR Imaging PI: Michael Moseley, PhD Interests involve novel MR research for a new thinking in the diagnosis of disease. MRI of tissue water is best depiction of disease; mapping brain water diffusion has revolutionized our knowledge of the onset and evolution of cerebral stroke, making the MR scanner the Gold Standard eyes and ears of choice for early and effective treatment of a variety of vascular diseases, trauma, cognition, and brain organization. MR tissue oxygenation allows us to ascertain oxygen utilization and metabolism. Up-to-date functional mapping can monitor neural networks while they work. Even minute physiological motions can be amplified with MR for a critical look at cellular density, pressures, and motions. Visit the Moseley Lab website Spielman Laboratory PI: Daniel Spielman, PhD Our laboratory focuses on the development of novel in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multinucleaer imaging methods and their translation to the clinic. This research is highly multidisciplinary combining MR physics and engineering, signal processing and information theory, biochemistry, and medicine with the goal of imaging metabolism in the human body. Our primary areas of current research are MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of hyperpolarized 13C-labeled substrates, measurement of brain neuroenergetics and neurotransmitter cycling, volumetric 1H MRSI, and GABA spectroscopy. Valdez Laboratory PI: Tulio Valdez, MD, MSc The Valdez Lab focuses on translational optical research. Their research applies various imaging modalities to improve diagnosis of pediatric infectious processes in the head and neck area. Visit the Valdez Lab website Nanophotonics Laboratory PI: Jennifer Dionne, PhD The Dionne lab is passionate about solving challenges in global health and sustainability with nanophotonics. We imagine a world where diseases like cancer, COVID, and tuberculosis are detected and cured with light. We develop new nanomaterials and nanophotonic imaging platforms with translational impact, using a feedback loop between advanced computational and characterization platforms spanning the molecular to cellular level. We are a diverse team of materials scientists, radiologists, chemists, applied physicists, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, and bioengineers, and we work closely with collaborators in the clinical virology and pathology labs, as well as with surgeons. Visit the Dionne Lab website Bertozzi Laboratory (chemistry and glycoscience) PI: Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD Research description coming soon... Visit the Bertozzi Lab website Poplack Laboratory (breast imaging and intervention) PI: Steven Poplack, MD The Dionne lab is passionate about solving challenges in global health and sustainability with nanophotonics. We imagine a world where diseases like cancer, COVID, and tuberculosis are detected and cured with light. We develop new nanomaterials and nanophotonic imaging platforms with translational impact, using a feedback loop between advanced computational and characterization platforms spanning the molecular to cellular level. We are a diverse team of materials scientists, radiologists, chemists, applied physicists, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, and bioengineers, and we work closely with collaborators in the clinical virology and pathology labs, as well as with surgeons. Visit the Dionne Lab website Membership Join MIPS Become a Member MIPS About Us What is Molecular Imaging Trainees Council Team Events Facilities SCi3 Cyclotron & Radiochemistry Facility Directions Employment Software/Tools Publications Research All Labs Chemistry Cell Biology Instrumentation Pre-Clinical Clinical Nanotechnology Faculty and Staff Leadership Faculty Members Administration Research Staff Instructors Visiting Faculty Research Scientists Research Associates Postdoctoral Fellows Visiting Scholars Graduate Students Undergraduate Students Interns Education BIOE221 2018 2016 BIOE222 2017 2016 2004-2014 2018 BIOE224 W 2016 BIOE229 S 2016 Radionuclide Imaging News 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Events MIPS Molecular Imaging Seminars MIPS Mini-Retreats IMAGinING the Future Journal Club 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 JC_zoom Previous Seminars Sponsored Research CCNE-TD- NIH U54 Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence for Translational Diagnostics EDRN – NIH U01 Early Cancer Detection Research Network Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford Stanford Medicine News Events Careers Contact Health Care Stanford Health Care Stanford Children's Health Stanford School of Medicine About Contact Maps & Directions Jobs Basic Science Departments Clinical Science Departments Academic Programs Vision Find People Visit Stanford Search Clinical Trials Give a Gift ©2021 Stanford Medicine Privacy Policy Terms of Use See us on Facebook See us on Twitter Stanford University Stanford School of Medicine Stanford Health Care Stanford Children's Health Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford University Healthcare Alliance
