Molecular Imaging Overview

Principles

Definition

Molecular imaging is an interdisciplinary research field and methodological approach that enables the non-invasive visualization, characterization, and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level within living organisms. It utilizes specialized imaging technologies and molecular probes to reveal functional information crucial for understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnosis, and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Ontological type

Molecular Probes

Core Modalities

Clinical Applications

Key developments

Key Figures

Probe-Guided Functional Imaging era

Joe W. Gray [1] conducted influential work across Harvard University [3] and University of California, San Francisco [4] during the Probe-Guided Functional Imaging era. His key contributions in this era include the quantitative, high-sensitivity fluorescence hybridization described in Cytogenetic analysis using quantitative, high-sensitivity, fluorescence hybridization [6], which demonstrated the feasibility of highly sensitive molecular detection and provided a methodological foundation for probe-guided imaging. Daniel Pinkel [2] is associated with University of California, San Francisco [4] and University of California, Los Angeles [5] in this era. His contributions in this era center on developing and applying quantitative fluorescence hybridization approaches exemplified by the same 1986 paper [6], enabling more accurate quantification of genetic features and paving the way for probe-based imaging modalities.

Cross-Modality Probe Integration era

Klaus Schulten [1] was a leading figure in this era, with positions at Harvard University [3] and Stanford University [4]. His key contribution was the development of VMD: Visual Molecular Dynamics [6], a versatile platform that enables visualization and analysis of biomolecular structures and dynamics, thereby supporting cross-modality interpretation in molecular imaging workflows. Michael W. Davidson [2] had affiliations with Stanford University [4] and the University of California, San Diego [5] during this era. His key contribution was Imaging Intracellular Fluorescent Proteins at Nanometer Resolution [7], a milestone for high-resolution intracellular protein imaging that enabled quantitative readouts and cross-modality validation essential for translational imaging workflows.

Theranostic and NIR-II Translation era

Zhuang Liu [1] is a leading figure in nanomedicine during the Theranostic and NIR-II Translation era, with affiliations at University of California, San Francisco [3] and Stanford University [4]. His key contributions include Graphene in Mice: Ultrahigh In Vivo Tumor Uptake and Efficient Photothermal Therapy [7], Ultrahigh Sensitivity Carbon Nanotube Agents for Photoacoustic Molecular Imaging in Living Mice [9], and H2O2-responsive liposomal nanoprobe for photoacoustic inflammation imaging and tumor theranostics via in vivo chromogenic assay [8], which collectively advanced multimodal theranostic capabilities and deep-tissue imaging essential for image-guided interventions in this era. Wolfgang Weber [2] is a veteran in molecular imaging during this era, with affiliations at University of California, Los Angeles [5] and Heidelberg University [6]. His contributions in this era include FDG PET/CT: EANM procedure guidelines for tumour imaging: version 2.0 [10], shaping standardization and multicenter reproducibility that underpins clinical adoption of PET/CT.