Research

Other innovative projects

Other innovative projects in our group are:

to identify, validate and propagate in the imaging and medical communities new protocols for improved skeletal muscle characterization. Research areas will be: multiple quantum (zero and double quantum) imaging of water interaction with macromolecules, activatable CEST and PARACEST contrast agent imaging aiming at unambiguous identification of labelled cells in diseased muscle, optimisation of muscle functional imaging based on arterial spin labelling (ASL) and blood-level dependent (BOLD) contrast, definition of metabolic indices of muscle viability based on advanced spectroscopy imaging (phosphocreatine, creatine, lactate)…

to develop tools and protocols for the monitoring of cell and gene therapies applied to skeletal muscle. A key step is to define the most adequate labelling strategies (cells, viral particles, liposomes, plasmids). This work will be performed in close collaboration with laboratories highly specialized in contrast agent synthesis and bio-target labelling.

to further refine the “multiparametric functional” concept, that was proposed by the NMR group some years ago for an integrative approach of skeletal muscle by in vivo NMR methods. Combining imaging and spectroscopy modules in almost real time gives a more comprehensive description of mechanisms involved in dynamic processes, such as for example, muscle reoxygenation post-ischemic exercise. More modules, such as lactate editing, will be designed, and applications to other experimental conditions; such as electrical stimulation, will be investigated. Integration of non-NMR methods, such as NIRS, into the NMR environment, will be considered.

to establish partnership with academic and industrial groups, experts in the field of multiple channel RF transmission technology. Multiple channel RF transmission will allow fine control of spatial distribution of RF excitation through imaged objects. It will revolutionize biomedical NMR. Both very homogeneous excitation of large objects and specific excitation of structures with complex shapes will become possible. The objective of the NMR group at the Institut de Myologie is to pioneer the muscle imaging and spectroscopy applications of this technology. Very significant improvements of quantitative imaging and dynamic spectroscopy are anticipated.

To correct B1 Receive and Transmit Non-Uniformity, which is a mandatory step towards Muscle Quantitative NMR Imaging.

Mise à jour : Mars 2010

Institut de Myologie - 47/83 Bd de l'hôpital - 75013 Paris - Tél. : +33 1 42 16 58 58