UAB-Sankyo Program for Rheumatic Diseases and Cancer Research (formerly)
Kurt R. Zinn, DVM, PhD, Director

The facility was established to enable UAB researchers to apply non-invasive, molecular imaging technologies in animal models. Imaging is accomplished with a range of imaging modalities, including gamma camera imaging, X-ray CT, PET/CT bioluminescence, fluorescence, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and ultrasound imaging. It is expected that the successful application of small animal imaging will speed efforts to translate basic research to human clinical trials. In 2009 construction of a Radiation Chemistry Laboratory was initiated. The laboratory will enable production of radioactive compounds on site for various researchers.

The goals of the facility include the following:1) to apply imaging to evaluate the health status of animal models, including the function of organ systems;2) to detect and monitor cancer progression during therapeutic intervention; 3) to evaluate targeting of gene therapy vectors for various applications; 4) to evaluate targeting of peptide, proteins, and unique molecular conjugates; 5) to develop imaging approaches for autoimmune disease research; and 6) to develop new instrumentation and imaging systems for increasing the sensitivity and specificity for molecular imaging.

To learn more about the SAIF, please click here.