# Core 2: Mouse and Human Molecular Imaging

> **NIH NIH P50** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $246,575

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Mouse and Human Molecular Imaging Core
The Mouse and Human Molecular Imaging (MHMI) Core will play a central role in the translational research
mission of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) SPORE in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer, providing
state-of-the-art imaging resources for three projects, future pilot and feasibility studies, and developmental
research. The MHMI Core will leverage existing, institutionally-supported equipment and infrastructure to offer
a full range of small animal and human functional, molecular, and anatomical imaging resources, including
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), digital X-ray, optical, single photon emission
computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). A unique feature of this core, VICC
GI SPORE investigators will also have access to novel probe development resources that leverage the
capabilities of the Vanderbilt Center for Molecular Probes (CMP), including high-throughput, diversity-oriented
synthesis capabilities suitable for developing novel imaging compounds, as well as world-class preclinical and
cGMP resources of the CMP radiochemistry facility. The MHMI has three Specific Aims: Aim 1. To develop,
optimize, and provide quantitative surrogate molecular imaging biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC) for
support of preclinical and clinical research; Aim 2. To provide support for imaging data analysis customized to
project-specific applications, including co-registration and integration of multiple imaging modalities, along with
quality control metrics to be performed as part of all preclinical and clinical research studies; Aim 3. To work
with both the Tissue Pathology and Cellular Analysis (TPCA) Core and the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
(BBC) Core to establish strategies for networking of requests, specimen tracking, extraction of de-identified
data relating to imaging, biospecimens, and other research data. Translational goal: Molecular imaging holds
great promise to illuminate the cellular and molecular underpinnings of individual tumors. Complementary to
genomic approaches, molecular imaging provides a quantitative, functional measure of tumor `phenotype', and,
when coupled with other tissue-based or newer `liquid' biopsy approaches, can provide a wealth of biological
information about individual tumors. The MHMI Core will provide VICC GI SPORE investigators a mechanism
and the expert personnel required for advancing cutting-edge translational research in CRC through the use of
non-invasive molecular imaging in mice and humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9975130
- **Project number:** 5P50CA236733-02
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Henry Charles Manning
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $246,575
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9975130

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9975130, Core 2: Mouse and Human Molecular Imaging (5P50CA236733-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9975130. Licensed CC0.

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