Chemistry Seminar: MRI-NIR Imaging of Breast Cancer
Synthesis of Single-Modal and Dual-Modal Targeted Molecular Imaging Agents For MRI-NIR Imaging of Breast Cancer
Basant Kaur
Chemistry MS Candidate
School of Chemistry and Materials Science, RIT
Ms. Kaur will discuss research into the synthesis of targeted molecular imaging agents to be used for early detection of breast cancer.
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Abstract:
Our research is focused on the early and accurate detection of breast cancer (BrCa) by molecular imaging. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Each year about one in eight women will be diagnosed, and over 500,000 deaths occur from breast cancer globally. To improve chances of survival, breast cancer must be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Conventional imaging uses mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Limitations in these can result in false-positive results or undetected tumors. It is vital to create more sensitive imaging methods to diagnose BrCa, to reduce false-positives and to guide therapy. A new approach to targeted molecular imaging agents (TMIAs) for BrCa will be described for single-modal and dual-modal imaging by fluorescence and MRI. To target these imaging agents, we will use a new BrCa-targeting peptide called 18-4. This peptide was synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) followed by conjugation of a near infrared dye, Cy5.5-1S, utilizing a new modular method developed in our lab, to form M3, an imaging agent for BrCa. The modular method was then utilized to construct a single-modal agent containing the MRI-contrast gadolinium metal. Lastly, a dual modal targeted imaging agent containing both Gd and Cy5.5-1S for dual modal fluorescence-MRI of BrCa was synthesized.
Speaker Bio:
Basant Kaur graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a BS in Chemistry. At Roberts she conducted biochemistry research with Dr. David Roll, working on purification of a protein that causes emphysema. She came to RIT in Fall 2019 to pursue a master’s in Chemistry. Basant has been working in the Molecular Imaging Lab with Dr. Hans Schmitthenner for the past two years. Her research interests are medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and organic synthesis. Outside of science, Basant enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, skating, and biking.
Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.
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Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No