PhD defence by Ditte Bentsen Christensen

On 16 January 2025, Ditte Bentsen Christensen will defend her PhD thesis "Bridging Preclinical and Clinical Approaches to Hyperpolarized Metabolic Imaging: Translational Research of Alzheimer´s Disease".

Time: 13:00

Place: Building 303, auditorium 42 & zoom: https://dtudk.zoom.us/meeting/register/hGlSMDftRh2IGcBmmgm_iA

Please be aware that the PhD defense may be recorded - This will also be informed at the beginning of the PhD defense.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Mathilde Hauge Lerche

Co-supervisor: : Mor Miashkovsky, EPFL

Assessment committee:

Associate Professor Pernille Rose Jensen, DTU Health Tech
Associate Professor Mikko Kettunen, University of Eastern Finland
Professor Myriam Chaumeil, Ulm University

Chairperson:
Senior Researcher Magnus Karlsson, DTU Health Tech

Abstract:
Hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy is an emerging imaging technique that enables real-time study of fast metabolic processes in living organisms. While still in an early stage of clinical research, this technology has shown significant potential in pre-clinical animal studies.
 
This PhD thesis introduces three key advancements to enhance the translational relevance of the technology for human research. First, new metabolic contrast agents are developed for use in both animal and human studies. Secondly, a novel hybrid imaging system is presented; this imaging study allows animal experiments to be conducted using clinical scanners, thereby bridging the gap to human applications. Thirdly, hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate is explored as a metabolic biomarker in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease using the translational setup, addressing some of the challenges of studying this neurodegenerative disorder in preclinical settings. 
 
These advancements aim to facilitate the detection and monitoring of diseases associated with metabolic dysfunction, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, by creating tools that are more aligned with clinical needs. This work represents a step towards translating insights from metabolic imaging in animals into meaningful applications for human health.

A copy of the PhD thesis is available for reading at the department.