About


Peter_Conti_Cyclotron

“Advances in biology have laid the groundwork for the development of molecular-based medicine, the identification and correction of molecular errors that underlie disease. This, coupled with rapidly evolving innovations in imaging and computing technology, is driving a revolution in a scientific specialty referred to as “molecular imaging.” Broadly defined, molecular imaging encompasses non-invasive visualization of the molecular processes of life in organisms ranging in complexity from individual cells to human beings. Molecular imaging appears destined to become the primary mechanism by which new discoveries are translated into clinical use and optimized for individual use.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our colleagues and collaborators that have supported the Molecular Imaging Center (MIC) over the years.  It is an exciting time for us at the MIC with our new cyclotron and radiochemistry facility–a dream come true for me personally–and the tremendous opportunity it presents for research programs in and around the university and for our patients.”

Peter S. Conti, MD, PhD
Director of Molecular Imaging Center
Professor of Radiology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Biomedical Engineering

 

 

OUR MISSION

The USC Molecular Imaging Center is a comprehensive imaging program focused on the development of new radiotracers and non-radioactive biological probes for use in interdisciplinary biomedical research and imaging. To this end, our mission is to promote the use of imaging to:

 

  • Rapidly and effectively translate developments in cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, neurosciences, physics, computer sciences, engineering and instrumentation into improvements in cancer patient care,
  • Facilitate further advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this disease, and
  • Train future investigators that will have the requisite multidisciplinary skills to effectively lead the expansion of molecular medical techniques

 

CORE OFFERINGS

Our comprehensive imaging program has grown to provide core services in biology, chemistry (e.g. novel imaging probe development), radiochemistry, manufacturing and quality and regulatory support. The MIC has an ever-growing series of collaborative interactions between faculties from various faculties within USC and surrounding academic institutions. In addition we have serviced regional biotech/pharmaceutical companies by providing expertise in radiochemistry and small and large animal imaging. Please take a look at our laboratory booklet which provides in-depth information.

Our core services are available to academic, industry and non-profit partners encompass:

CORE SERVICES:

Biology

  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of molecular targets
  • Probe validation with in vitro and in vivo models
  • Biodistribution Studies (E.g. – PK,PD, Target Engagement Studies)
  • Small animal imaging: PET, SPECT, MR, Optical, Ultrasound, Photoacoustics and CT
  • Dosimetry Studies
  • Large animal studies

 

Chemistry

  • Novel probe development (small molecules, biologics etc) through custom synthesis
  • Peptide Synthesis
  • Custom conjugation to fluorescence dyes and microbubbles

 

Radiolabeling

  • PET and SPECT isotopes
  • Adaptation to automated synthesis unites
  • Development of technology platforms for labeling
  • Purification strategies

 

Manufacturing and Quality

  • Process development and validation
  • Analytical and bioanalytical method development and validation
  • Quality control & quality assurance audits
  • Drug product formulation and stability testing
  • cGMP production of PET imaging biomarkers

 

Regulatory Affairs

  • Drug development plans and regulatory strategies
  • Preparation and management of regulatory submissions (including eCTD based submissions)
  • Regulatory liaison
  • Preparation of clinical trial documentation
  • Management of clinical trial research

 

 

 

FUNDING SUPPORT

  • S10 OD018500 01
    PHASE CONTRAST TOMOGRAPHIC X-RAY MICROSCOPE SYSTEM
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2015
    $1,111,318

 

  • S10 OD018096 01
    SMALL ANIMAL PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING UNIT: INTEGRATING OPTICAL IMAGING WITH HIGH FR
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2014
    $599,000

 

  • S10 OD012371 01
    MICROPET/CT FOR SMALL ANIMAL IMAGING
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2013
    $1,131,879

 

  • S10 RR029178 01
    CYCLOTRON FOR MOLECULAR IMAGING PROGRAM AT USC
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2011
    $3,082,046

 

  • S10 RR027665 01
    ULTRA-HIGH RESOLUTION CT SPECIMEN SCANNER FOR IN VITRO APPLICATIONS
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2010
    $491,625

 

  • S10 RR027689 01
    DIGITAL X-RAY DEVICE FOR MOLECULAR IMAGING CENTER
    CONTI, PETER STEPHEN
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    2010
    $134,760

 

PUBLICATIONS

PET Publications

Jadvar H, Challa S, Quinn DI, Conti PS.

Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2015 Jun;30(5):195-9. doi: 10.1089/cbr.2014.1802. Epub 2015 Mar 6

 

Huang R, Wang M, Zhu Y, Conti PS, Chen K.

Curr Top Med Chem. 2015;15(8):795-819. Review.

PMID:25732787

 

Jadvar H, Desai B, Conti PS.

Semin Nucl Med. 2015 Jan;45(1):58-65. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2014.07.008.

PMID:25475379

 

Li G, Wang X, Zong S, Wang J, Conti PS, Chen K.

Mol Pharm. 2014 Nov 3;11(11):3938-46. doi: 10.1021/mp500354x. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

PMID:25054774

 

See full list of PET Publications here

 

Optical Publications

Lawrenson K, Grun B, Lee N, Mhawech-Fauceglia P, Kan J, Swenson S, Lin YG, Pejovic T, Millstein J, Gayther SA.

Int J Cancer. 2015 Mar 15;136(6):1390-401. doi: 10.1002/ijc.29092. Epub 2014 Aug 14.

PMID: 25047817

 

Lawrenson K, Lee N, Torres HA, Lee JM, Brueggmann D, Rao PN, Noushmehr H, Gayther SA .

Gynecol Oncol. 2014 Oct;135(1):100-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.06.016. Epub 2014 Jun 24.

PMID:  24972189

 

Lang J, Zhu W, Nokes B, Sheth G, Novak P, Fuchs L, Watts G, Futscher B, Mineyev N, Ring A, LeBeau L, Nagle R, Cranmer L.

J Surg Oncol. 2015 Feb 2. doi: 10.1002/jso.23860. [Epub ahead of print]

PMID: 25644184

 

Santos T, Fang X, Chen MT, Wang W, Ferreira R, Jhaveri N, Gundersen M, Zhou C, Pagnini P, Hofman FM, Chen TC

Front Oncol. 2014 Jul 15;4:180. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00180. eCollection 2014.

PMID: 25077069

 

 

See full list of Optical Publications here

JOB OPENINGS

Currently there are no job openings, but we do accept volunteers that wish to gain experience working in the research laboratory environment. Volunteers are not paid, however USC students may be offered a small stipend. Please contact us here if you are interested in working with our imaging center staff and faculty.