# Small Animal Imaging Shared Resource (SAISR)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2023 · $274,503

## Abstract

SMALL ANIMAL IMAGING SHARED RESOURCE (SAISR)
ABSTRACT
The Small Animal Imaging Shared Resource (SAISR) provides instrumentation, training, and expert support for
imaging studies conducted by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) investigators. Major
technologies and services include micro-positron emission tomography (microPET), invented at SAISR, micro-
computed tomography (microCT), optical imaging (bioluminescence, fluorescence and Cerenkov),
autoradiography imaging, and routine production of small molecule radiochemistry and peptide/protein
radiolabeling. SAISR has a biomedical cyclotron, biomolecule radiolabeling facility, and a fully equipped
radiochemistry facility with state-of-the-art radiosynthesizers specifically designed to support PET imaging. Three
specific aims support the SAISR objective of providing investigators with technical imaging expertise and
facilitating the design, execution, and analysis of small animal imaging studies. Aim 1: to provide and support
state-of-the-art small animal imaging technologies; Aim 2: to provide routine radiochemistry and radiolabeling
production services; and Aim 3: to provide investigators with scientific support and training in radiochemistry,
preclinical imaging, and image analysis. Monthly two-hour training sessions educate users on the latest imaging
technologies and approaches, including topics on instrumentation basics, imaging biology, imaging procedures,
and safety protocols.
Examples of SAISR impact in the prior project period include SAISR support for David Nathanson, PhD
(CMINT) in developing novel combination therapies to target tumor metabolism in glioblastoma multiforme
(GBM). PET/CT imaging of rapid changes in GBM glucose utilization by [18F]FDG, a biomarker of glycolysis,
effectively predict therapeutic responses in vivo and is currently being tested in a clinical trial (NCT03732352).
PET and MRI imaging enabled a large inter-programmatic team led by Robert Prins, PhD (CMINT/TI) to
differentiate inflammatory responses in GBM by PET from other sources of contrast-enhancement seen by MRI.
The combination of these two imaging modalities distinguished tumor progression from pseudoprogression in
immunotherapy. In a collaboration between SAISR and JCCC Molecular Screening Shared Resource (MSSR),
an inter-programmatic team led by Caius Radu, MD (CMINT) developed a combination therapy targeting
deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) using [18F]FAC PET to assess the pharmacodynamics of novel dCK inhibitors.
Follow-on PET studies showed that dCK contributes to radiation resistance in cancer.
From 2013 – 2018, SAISR supported projects from 42 JCCC members in all six Programs, representing 84% of
SAISR usage. Of this, 53% of JCCC users had peer-reviewed funding. This resulted in 136 publications, with 73
(54%) in high-impact (IF ≥10, or field leading) journals. The SAISR is preparing to submit an NIH shared
instrumentation grant for a GNEXT PET/CT instrument, with the highest sensitivity curre...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10619455
- **Project number:** 5P30CA016042-47
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** ARION Xenofon CHATZIIOANNOU
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $274,503
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-12-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10619455

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10619455, Small Animal Imaging Shared Resource (SAISR) (5P30CA016042-47). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10619455. Licensed CC0.

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