# Development of Novel Hyperpolarized MR Molecular Imaging Probes Tested in Realistic Pre-Clinical Models and Correlative Science Studies

> **NIH NIH P41** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $322,998

## Abstract

TRD2 PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Eleven of the 13 Collaborative Projects (CPs 1-10,13) that are the driving force behind this HMTRC renewal and
10 of the 12 Service Projects (SPs 1-4, 6, and 8-11) demonstrate a clear need for improved hyperpolarized (HP)
probes and methods, realistic preclinical models, correlative pathology and molecular methodologies, and other
synergistic imaging studies provided by TRD2. Over the last decade of funding, TRD2 has an outstanding record
of productivity, having supported 117 peer-reviewed publications and 41 NIH grants, and during the prior funding
period, we have leveraged preclinical advances to obtain FDA IND approval for two new HP probes – [2-
13C]pyruvate for improved imaging of the TCA cycle and in 2021 co-polarized [13C,15N2]urea and [1-13C]pyruvate
for simultaneous metabolic and perfusion imaging.
Based on the new needs of the CPs and SPs, the advice of our External Advisory Committee, and clinical
consultants, this TRD2 renewal project will take several exciting innovative directions focused on increasing HP
13C probe sensitivity, in vivo performance, and clinical translatability through the development/optimization of HP
probes, probe formulations and polarization approaches (Aim 1), optimizing more realistic preclinical models
and methods for HP 13C MR studies (Aim 2) and obtaining correlative pathologic, molecular and multimodal
imaging studies (Aim 3) to optimize and validate HP 13C MR biomarkers and methods for clinical translation.
These research goals will be accomplished in synergy with TRD1 through implementing a new preclinical 9.4T
MR scanner with 1H/13C MRI cryoprobe capabilities, a next generation higher field, lower temperature preclinical
DNP polarizer and improved rf coil technologies for significantly improved preclinical HP 13C MR studies. With
TRD3, we will implement more sensitive dynamic HP 13C MR pulse sequences (EPSI, EPI and bSSFP), with a
focus on developing robust, standardized, and quantitative imaging protocols, and new on-line preclinical data
analysis and display tools integrated into the free, open-source platforms.
Although the HP MR probes and techniques will be specifically driven (push-pull) by the CPs, and utilized
(pushed) in the SPs, they will greatly expand the scientific scope and preclinical applicability of HP 13C MR in
general and significantly impact its clinical translation. The main deliverables of this project are the dissemination
of optimized HP probe preparations and methods, new NMR-compatible cell and tissue culture bioreactor
systems and preclinical GEM and PDX models optimized for HP 13C MR studies, correlative pathology, molecular
and synergistic imaging approaches, and the associated dissemination and training for the biomedical
community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10784734
- **Project number:** 5P41EB013598-13
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** John Kurhanewicz
- **Activity code:** P41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $322,998
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-08-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10784734

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10784734, Development of Novel Hyperpolarized MR Molecular Imaging Probes Tested in Realistic Pre-Clinical Models and Correlative Science Studies (5P41EB013598-13). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10784734. Licensed CC0.

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