The European Network for Cell Imaging and Tracking Expertise (ENCITE) is a four year project funded by the European Commission that started in June 2008 and consists of 29 international scientific partners from ten countries, co-ordinated by the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR). Thanks to a strong collaboration of 26 European institutes and three from Israel with outstanding expertise in cell imaging and tracking, the consortium has the ambitious mission to develop and test new MR and optical imaging methods and biomarkers to get a more comprehensive picture of cell fate and the reaction of the immune system and to ultimately improve and further develop cell therapy for the benefit of the European patient.
After a very successful first project year, ENCITE is proud to have achieved first outstanding key results within the subjects novel imaging technologies and novel tools for cell labelling:
- MR imaging methods for cell tracking based on iron oxides were successfully implemented, and clinical methodologies for preclinical evaluation of novel drugs were adapted and optimised.
- Preliminary experiments were successfully carried out regarding novel tools for cell labelling and cell fate imaging (recruitment, differentiation, and cell death).
A special highlight was the successful construction of the Adenovirus TK vector. As for cell fate imaging, experiments showed that it is possible to image tumour stroma cell activation and differentiation by fluorescence intravital microscopy.
Within novel imaging technologies, the consortium is confident of reaching the overall goal to provide novel imaging technologies and post-processing tools that will enable more efficient and sensitive diagnostic and scientific tools in the field of cell therapy. The consortium is highly encouraged to facilitate new and groundbreaking developments in the field of cell-based therapies.
The main scientific results have been published in different journals as well as in scientific conferences and on the ENCITE website.
With respect to the training of staff in imaging, a particular highlight will be the 2nd ENCITE Educational Workshop in Leiden, from 21-22 May, 2010.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.encite.org
About The European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR)
The European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) is a non-profit limited liability company dedicated to the co-ordination of research. The network has the aim of co-ordinating and supporting the development of biomedical imaging technologies and the dissemination of knowledge with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The platform supports networking activities in research and is key to spreading good practice, promoting common initiatives and interoperability in the field of biomedical imaging research. This will generate critical mass and help coordinate research into new instrumentation, new methods, concepts and technologies.