# Preclinical Modeling, Imaging & Testing

> **NIH NIH P30** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2024 · $512,767

## Abstract

Preclinical Modeling, Imaging & Testing Core: Project Summary/Abstract 
The Preclinical Modeling, Imaging & Testing Core (PMIT Core) is a critical Shared Resource in the Koch Institute’s 
mission of combining the strengths of discovery cancer research and engineering-based technology development to 
advance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Critical to this effort are in vitro and in vivo disease models, including 
cells, organoids and vertebrate models. These are used to probe the role of cancer genes in cell biology, investigate the 
mechanisms of tumor development, progression and metastasis, evaluate drug response and resistance, and test novel 
strategies and devices for tumor detection and drug delivery. Each of these approaches relies on expertise and 
instrumentation to facilitate the generation of disease models, as well as their characterization via imaging and in 
response to drugs, nanomaterials, vaccines and devices. The PMIT Core provides Koch Institute investigators with 
consultative advice, technical support and/or training in the production of engineered cells and mouse models, and 
provides extensive imaging, husbandry and analytic resources for detection, characterization and therapeutic treatment 
of tumors in animal models.
During the current period, usage of the PMIT Core increased significantly and now 71% of CCSG Members 
(representing all three programs) rely on the Core’s services. To support this demand, we also expanded several 
capabilities. This includes, for disease modeling: CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing capabilities, and specialized cell and 
organoid generation and manipulation methods. We also expanded imaging capabilities by hiring an MRI Specialist (as 
recommended in the previous competing renewal), acquiring PET/CT instrumentation (with one-time Institutional funds), 
and hiring a PET/CT Technical Associate (with short-term Institutional funding). Thus, this Shared Resource is essential 
to the success of the Koch Institute mission.
In the upcoming period, the PMIT Core will continue to offer a wide range of disease modeling, animal imaging and 
preclinical testing services to support the research programs of Center Members. We will upgrade ultrasound and 
microCT instrumentation (with funds from Institutional sources), and acquire expertise and computing capabilities that 
enable use of machine learning algorithms in high throughput data analysis (funding requested from CCSG 
Developmental Funds). To stabilize staff salaries and allow support of the PET/CT Technical Associate, a 20.2%
increase in the PMIT Core CCSG budget is requested.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10833012
- **Project number:** 5P30CA014051-53
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jacqueline A. Lees
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $512,767
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-06-17 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10833012

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10833012, Preclinical Modeling, Imaging & Testing (5P30CA014051-53). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10833012. Licensed CC0.

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