Speaker:
Title:
Liposome-Based MRI Contrast Agents; A Modular Architecture for Neurotransmitter Sensors
Abstract:
High-Field MRI allows for repeated non-invasive whole brain
imaging which is not possible using traditional approaches. We have
demonstrated the ability to observe molecular-level events with fMRI by
employing sensors for molecules involved in neural signaling. Molecular fMRI
has the potential to be a revolutionary technique for the study of neural
circuits with long-term implications for human health. I present a novel MRI
contrast mechanism, predicted to give large signal changes, that utilizes
liposomes as ligand-gated water proton barriers.