Dynamic 3D super-resolution ultrasound imaging of micro-circulation and genetically encoded acoustic reporters in vivo

Our vision is to create a powerful yet highly accessible in vivo imaging platform, enabling non-invasive whole-body ultrasound microscopy of tissue microcirculation and cellular and molecular biomarkers.  

Ultrasound is ideally suited to dynamic in vivo imaging due to its deep penetration and high temporal resolution. However, historically it has lacked the ability to visualize molecular and cellular biomarkers, has limited spatial resolution, and face numerous challenges in achieving dynamic 3D imaging. Our goal is to overcome these challenges by enabling high-resolution, real-time large field-of-view imaging of microcirculation and specially designed "acoustic reporters" that help us see specific biological markers inside living rodents. These markers can help researchers study a wide range of biological questions. In this project we investigate questions in metabolism and diseases like diabetes. For example, we want to learn how insulin-producing cells in the pancreas work together, and how cells in the gut, which release appetite-regulating hormones, respond to different diets. These insights could lead to new treatments for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

If successful, this project will allow us to image biological processes that are currently hidden from view. It will benefit scientists working with ultrasound technology and those studying metabolism and metabolic diseases. Additionally, we will make the platform user-friendly so that researchers across many fields can adopt it to explore various physiological and disease-related processes.