Preclinical and Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory
The Preclinical and Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory (PDMIL) is a small animal imaging facility dedicated to the study of disease and the development and evaluation of novel treatments and diagnostic techniques. The aim of the laboratory is to facilitate the translation of novel therapies and diagnostic agents into patients by providing proof-of-principle data in animal models of disease, as required by the US Food and Drug Administration. The laboratory focuses on research into amyloid-associated disorders, cancer, atherosclerosis and diagnostic veterinary imaging.
The facility, directed by Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, has four scanning suites currently housing PET/SPECT/CT imaging platforms, and a state-of-the-art integrated tri-modality PET/SPECT/CT imaging platforms, as well as Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)-accredited, long-term satellite animal holding rooms, conference facilities and laboratory workspace. The research performed in the PDMIL is facilitated by Jonathan Wall, Stephen J. Kennel, PhD, radio-biochemist, Tina Richey, MS, small animal and amyloid expert, and Alan Stuckey, BA, CNMT , imaging specialist who operates the imaging devices and manages the facility.
Establishing a strong animal imaging initiative for translational research is an essential part of the Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program (MITRP) mission. The Preclinical Imaging Laboratory has established close collaborations with the Amyloid Imaging Program of Professors Alan Solomon, MD and Jonathan S. Wall, PhD along with the translational research of oncologist Amy K. LeBlanc, DVM. Dr. LeBlanc is an Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and serves as Director of Translational Research in the MITRP. Dr. LeBlanc holds a joint appointment with the Radiology Department and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. These collaborations play an instrumental role in meeting the goal of translational research by bridging the gap in between micro imaging of small animal models and the imaging of clinical patients. This can only be undertaken in an academic environment such as UTGSM that includes high-level clinical research physicians, multi-disciplinary research teams, and a veterinary college such as the one at the University of Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine
Preclinical and Diagnostic Molecular Imaging Laboratory
1924 Alcoa Highway
Knoxville, TN
37920-6999
Phone: 865 305 8497