Molecular imaging and modulation of fibrosis and inflammation incardiac pressure overload and relief

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In project 10, quantitative imaging assays based on magneticresonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)will be combined for noninvasive detection of biological changes inthe heart in response to cardiac pressure overload and relief. Inaddition, crosstalk with other organs and systems will be investigatedby whole-body imaging. The multimodal approach will facilitate an indepth characterization of various aspects of inflammation and fibrosis,along with their changes over time. Imaging will also be used to guidetargeted molecular therapies and to determine the success oftreatment (“image-guided therapy”). The hypotheses generated inexperimental animals will be cross-validated in human tissue samples from failing hearts, which will serve to provide the basis for successfulclinical translation. Owing to the broad feasibility of multimodalimaging in animal models and clinical settings, along with applicabilityto multiple organs, this project will tightly network with many projectsof the clinical research group in order to facilitate their success.