Improving molecular imaging techniques for better cellular analysis
Official title: A biochemical approach towards subcellular, label-free molecular imaging
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10686627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to take super-detailed pictures of tiny molecules in cells and tissues without using any labels, which could help scientists understand how cells work and what goes wrong in diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,372,964 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MH136390-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require detailed cellular analysis, such as cancer or other complex diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve cellular or molecular abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mass spectrometry imaging to allow for detailed, label-free analysis of biomolecules within cells and tissues. By developing a new biochemical process for sample expansion, the project aims to improve the spatial resolution of imaging techniques, enabling scientists to visualize structures at the subcellular level. This could lead to better understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms. The approach combines innovative polymerization and digestion protocols to optimize existing imaging methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the accuracy of molecular imaging, leading to better diagnostics and treatment strategies for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in enhancing imaging techniques, but this specific approach to combining expansion microscopy with mass spectrometry is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Ruixuan — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gao, Ruixuan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.