European Network on NMR Relaxometry

Our lab focuses on two topics related to the theme of the working group. 1. Cellular tracers for cell labeling and tracking using MRI (experimental studies) In collaboration with Institute of Physics, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine (Czech Academy of Science), and Faculty of Mathematics and Physics and Faculty of Sciences (Charles University, Prague) we develop and test traces for cell tracking and test them (1-5), utilize them in cell transplantations (6-11), and develop multimodal labels (12-14) and theranostic agents (15-17). 2. Relaxometry as a tool for quantification identification of (para)magnetic deposits in the human brain (clinical studies) Besides normal deposition of antiferromagnetic iron in a form of ferritin, various diseases are accompanied by excessive deposition of paramagnetic or superparamagnetic compounds in the brain structures. We identify these deposits in metabolic diseases (such as cirrhosis (18-19)), several genetic diseases (PKAN, Wilson disease(20-21)), neurological or psychiatric diseases (schizophrenia, epilepsy (22-23)) and even in patients with brain tumours (24-25). Our current focus is on utilization of relaxometry at various field strengths to determine non-invasively the compound and its concentration.