“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.