The PET Radiotracer Translation and Resource Center (PET-RTRC)

Overall Project Summary In this renewal application of our National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB), the PET Radiotracer and Translation Center (PET-RTRC), our objective is to further fortify the Center as a national resource that leverages the expertise at Washington University and the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in PET radiotracer design, development, production, training and dissemination. In collaboration with research groups throughout the country and in Europe who are studying molecular and cellular processes of inflammation in disease, we will further enhance the development and dissemination of novel PET radiotracers needed to transform biomedical research and advance human health. In the process we will strengthen the foundation for propelling the PET-RTRC forward and sustaining its long term operation. To fulfill our objective we will address the following Specific Aims: Aim 1: In responding to the scientific needs of the Collaborative Projects (CPs), the three Technological Research & Development Projects (TR&Ds 1-3) will build upon their successful innovations during the current funding cycle to develop radiotracers that target different components of inflammation, their dynamic variation, and consequences such as inflammasome activation (TR&D 1: sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-2), monocyte/macrophage trafficking (TR&D 2: chemokine C receptor 2/CD163) and the induction of mitochondrial stress (TR&D 3: mitochondrial reactive oxygen species). Aim 2: Given the importance of the CPs as technology drivers, we will further enhance the “push-pull” interaction between the individual TR&Ds and their respective CPs by including strategies that enhance cross-site communication, more robust training opportunities, optimized image analysis and data management and facilitated sharing of intellectual property. Aim 3: The Technology Training and Dissemination Core expands its success in the current grant cycle to offer robust training and dissemination opportunities. In the training component, all Center workshops and seminars will be presented in a hybrid onsite/remote mode, individualized training will be offered via proctored “how to” videos on key topics and additional outreach initiatives will be implemented that are geared towards interactions with other P41 Centers, internal WU training grants/programs and traditionally underserved universities. New innovations in our dissemination efforts will increase the capabilities of our Service Projects for both pre-clinical and human studies. The Administration Core will continue to provide the managerial oversight necessary for the efficient operation of the PET-RTRC so that it meets its scientific, training and dissemination objectives. Successful completion of the proposed renewal application will further propel the PET-RTRC as a national resource to facilitate research that will increase our understanding of the molecular basis of disease, thus providing the framework for novel diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms leading to improved human health.