7 Tesla Small Animal MRI for Translational Research

The Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) is a multi-disciplinary and multi- modality research facility within the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein). The facilities within the MRRC are 100% available for clinical and basic research to all investigators within the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. The mission of the MRRC is to support research into numerous diseases and disorders being conducted by a large population of basic and clinical scientists within the Einstein program who are engaged in translational research. These efforts require turnkey, state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation to make best use of noninvasive functional, structural and spectroscopic imaging in their research investigations. At Einstein, translational research is a key focus of the scientific and clinical community. Several centers, including the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, the Einstein Caner Center, the Einstein Diabetes Center and the Institute for Developmental Disabilities Research Center are focused upon promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, addressing translational 'blocks' in research, providing infrastructure and collaborative support, and enhancing training, education, and career development. All these centers have independent investigators that utilize the MRI imaging resources available in the MRRC. Einstein and the Department of Radiology have recently purchased and installed a fully digital 3.0 Tesla multinuclear Philips Elition for human MRI research in the MRRC. However, the MRRC animal imaging program is currently supported by an aging and obsolete 9.4 T MRI system, in dire need of replacement. The Specific Aim of this proposal is to make possible the acquisition of a research dedicated, state-of-the-art 7.0 Tesla small animal magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy system. This system will support ongoing translational NIH-sponsored research into cancer, diabetes, aging, rare diseases, epilepsy, brain trauma and many other areas of active research within the Einstein community. Einstein and the Department of Radiology will continue is unwavering support of the MRRC infrastructure, and will provide resources for installation. Einstein is committed to the successful application of non-invasive imaging research taking place throughout the entire medical school program.