Preclinical and Translational MRI

Welcome to the Preclinical and Translational MRI Group, where we push the boundaries of biomedical research through cutting-edge imaging technologies. Our multidisciplinary team, rooted in physics, biomedical engineering, and life sciences, focuses tackling complex biological questions, pioneering innovative imaging methods, and facilitating the clinical translation of promising imaging techniques.

Our primary imaging modality is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). However, our lab also features Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI), Ultrasound, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and 2-Photon Imaging. We aim to provide researchers and clinicians with the tools they need to understand, diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases more effectively.

By bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application, we strive to contribute to a future where medical imaging plays an increasingly vital role in personalized medicine.

Feel free to explore our site to learn more about our projects, publications, and opportunities for collaboration.

Focus

Cardiovascular Imaging

Cardiovascular disease remain the main cause of death worldwide. To increase our understanding of relevant biological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, our lab applies cardiovascular MRI protocols to investigate these processes in various genetic and surgical models, both for mice and rats.

MRI has emerged as the gold standard for measuring cardiac function by generating high-resolution Cinematic images. This allows assessment of various functional outcome parameters, such as ejection fraction, diastolic function, myocardial strain and hemodynamic forces. The versatility of MRI also allows accurate measurements of myocardial perfusion, infarct size and changes in extracellular volume through contrast enhanced imaging protocols. Using specific vascular MRI protocols, we are also able to investigate atherosclerotic processes such as plaque formation or changes in vessel permeability.

Diagnostic imaging of experimental placenta insufficiency

This research theme aims to tackle Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia (PE), conditions that impact 10% of pregnancies and pose substantial neonatal and maternal risks. The central concern is placental insufficiency, a key factor that negatively affects both maternal and fetal well-being.

In a collaborative endeavor between Amsterdam UMC (led by Strijkers) and UMC Utrecht (led by Schiffelers and Lely), our objective is to employ cutting-edge preclinical imaging methods. Specifically, we are utilizing Photo-acoustic Imaging (PAI) and Blood Oxygen Level Dependent MRI (BOLD-MRI) to deepen our understanding of FGR, closely monitor placental and fetal oxygenation levels, and innovate new treatment approaches.

By leveraging the capabilities of PAI and BOLD-MRI, we aim to provide precise measurements of oxygen levels in both the placenta and fetus. This could be a game-changer for clinicians by offering a real-time, accurate metric to guide decisions on optimal delivery timing or other necessary interventions.

Our ultimate goal is to pioneer advanced imaging technologies for improved prenatal assessments. This would enable non-invasive evaluations of emerging targeted therapy platforms aimed at alleviating placental insufficiency. This two-pronged strategy seeks to enhance both maternal and fetal health outcomes, thereby reducing the risk of premature births and associated complications.

Funding: ZonMW TOP grant TRIPLET (Targeted therapy and imaging in experimental placenta insufficiency)

Team: Fatimah Al Darwish, Bram Coolen, Lindy Alles, Raymond Schiffelers (UMCU), Caren van Kammen (UMCU), Titia Lely (UMCU), Gustav Strijkers

Neuro imaging

Functional MRI is our main tool for examining brain connectivity in both healthy animals and disease models. With it, we can evaluate how behavioral or drug stimuli influence both immediate and long-term changes in brain networks. We’ve recently devised a method for functional MRI in awake rats, following their habituation to the MRI setup.

Beyond functional MRI, we collaborate with the Vascular Biology and Brain Clearance groups to probe structural brain alterations using diverse MRI methods like high-resolution T2w imaging, diffusion imaging, and contrast-enhanced read-outs.

Team: Daphne Naessens, Bram Coolen, Lindy Alles, Inge Mulder, Ed van Bavel, Liesbeth Reneman, Gustav Strijkers

Funding: Eurostars European Partnership project ENDOCARE (Restoring endocannabinoid homeostasis to create the first effective and safe pharmacotherapy for PTSD)

Multi-parametric imaging for studying therapy resistance in esophageal cancer

One of the significant hurdles in managing esophageal cancer lies in its high propensity for acquired resistance, along with the variability in patient responses to different therapeutic interventions. Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells are particularly prone to developing resistance to treatments, making it imperative to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In collaboration with partners across nine European countries, our EU-funded project aims to confront this issue of therapy resistance in EAC. We are focusing on enhancing cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging techniques to provide real-time analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

To achieve this, we are in the process of developing a state-of-the-art, high-resolution multiparametric imaging system. This system is designed to detect subtle molecular alterations within the TME, thereby shedding light on how responsive a tumor might be to treatment. Our imaging arsenal consists of various MRI methods, incorporating an array of contrast techniques such as T1-, T2-, T2*- and diffusion-weighted imaging. These approaches aim to provide a comprehensive picture of tumor behavior and characteristics.

Our data collection protocols involve rigorous testing through both xenograft mouse models and studies involving human subjects. This dual approach allows for more robust validation of our imaging techniques. To supplement our MRI data, we also employ ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging methods. These additional modalities provide valuable insights into the vascular and oxygenation status of the tumor, factors that are critical in assessing the tumor’s responsiveness to treatments.

In summary, our interdisciplinary project leverages advanced imaging technologies to address the pressing issue of therapy resistance in EAC, aiming to pave the way for more effective, individualized treatment strategies.

Funding: HORIZON doctoral network PRESSURE (Preventing therapy resistance in esophageal cancer using advanced models and molecular signatures – https://pressurenetwork.eu)

Team: PhD vacancy, Bram Coolen, Lindy Alles, Hanneke van Laarhoven, Maarten Bijlsma, Gustav Strijkers

Advanced Skeletal Muscle MRI Techniques for Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment of Muscle Disorders and Sport-Related Injuries

Skeletal muscle disorders and sport-related injuries represent significant healthcare challenges. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of muscle anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool for providing such insights, offering non-invasive, high-resolution imaging to diagnose, monitor, and potentially treat these conditions.

This research focus aims to explore the application of skeletal muscle MRI techniques across a range of muscle diseases and sport-induced injuries. By employing state-of-the-art MRI modalities, including diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic MRI techniques to measure muscle function, our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of muscle architecture and function. These advanced imaging methods allow for precise assessments of muscle fiber orientation, size, and overall muscle health, all of which are critical factors in both disease progression and recovery from injuries.

This multidisciplinary research integrates expertise from fields like biomedical engineering, radiology, sports medicine, and physiology, striving to answer key questions related to muscle health. Can we detect early markers of muscle diseases for timely intervention? What are the biomechanical factors that contribute to sports injuries, and how can they be mitigated? And most importantly, how can advanced MRI techniques contribute to the development of novel therapies and prevention strategies?

By tackling these questions, this research endeavors to improve the management of muscle diseases and sports injuries, aiming for outcomes that benefit patient care and optimize athletic performance.

Funding: TTW open technology grant DIMASK (Development of an innovative MRI technology to assess micro-trauma in skeletal muscles) & TTW open technology grant DOMINOES (Development of dynamic 3D-MRI technology to assess skeletal muscle diseases)

Team: PhD vacancy, Aart Nederveen, Melissa Hooijmans (VU), Susi Rauh (LUMC), Hermien Kan (LUMC), Gustav Strijkers

MRI sequence development and imaging reconstruction

In the Preclinical & Translational MRI group, we partner closely with the Applied MR Physics group from the Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine. Together, we pioneer new MRI techniques to enhance MRI protocol performance across various applications.

For instance, we have developed methods to:

Conduct cardiac imaging without external ECG sensors (retrospective gating),
Speed up data collection through smart data undersampling and reconstruction strategies,

Create quantitative imaging protocols for better ongoing monitoring of disease markers.

To grasp the MR physics behind our techniques and fine-tune their efficiency, we lean on computer simulations and phantom experiments. We also share this knowledge with our students in our range of basic to advanced MRI courses. Committed to Open Science, we strive to make all our innovative acquisition and analysis methods publicly accessible.

Team: Bram Coolen, Gustav Strijkers