News & Events

BME Seminar Series: Ching H. Tung, Ph.D.

Goergen Hall 101 (Sloan Auditorium)

"Molecular Imaging in Bone, Joint and Beyond"

Ching H. Tung, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute 
Department of Radiology
Weill Cornell Medical College

Abstract: In the past, most biological information could only be obtained by in vitro analysis because sensitive molecular probes for in vivo imaging of individual molecules were not available. Newly developed molecular probes have recently made in vivo imaging of specific molecular targets, biological pathways, and disease progress possible. In order to obtain target specific information, various approaches have been applied to sense the difference in molecular structures and functions. New targeting agents based on peptides, ligands, or drug inhibitors have been identified to locate surface proteins, receptors and extracellular targets. In addition, novel enzyme-mediated imaging approaches have been developed to monitor disease-associated enzymes in vivo. These molecular probes report the biological changes in early phases, so that they could revolutionize current practices in disease detection, medical diagnosis, drug development, and treatment evaluation. For example, through the use of molecular imaging technology, a therapeutic response on a chronic joint disease can be adequately evaluated within days or even a few hours, instead of taking weeks or months.