Dr. Ching H. Tung – Research Interest
(cht2018@med.cornell.edu)
Our research focuses on developing novel multi-functional molecules for imaging, diagnostic, therapeutic, and biotechnological applications. We specialize in environmentally sensitive molecules that respond to biological and chemical changes during disease progression. The use of the developed molecular imaging probes, drugs, and vectors have been applied to manage various types of diseases, including cancer, inflammation, infection, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases.
Major platform technologies include:
Enzyme activation system
Enzymes involved in disease associated pathophysiologic processes are ideal targets for molecular imaging and treatment. Knowing their activities will provide valuable information in diagnosis, detection, and disease management. Enzyme sensitive probes or drugs are designed with “molecular switches” that can only be turned on by intended disease associated enzymes; thereby resulting in a significant change of property, such as: fluorescence, absorbance, magnetic relaxation or toxicity.
Fluorescence chemistry
In recent years, fluorescence imagining technology has been widely applied in studying molecular targets in biological systems, and guiding surgical procedures. Fluorescence reporters with favorable optical properties are key components in all applications. Hence, we developed novel fluorochromes with a superior physical/chemical property and biocompatibility. Responsive fluorogenic reporters are particularly interesting to us. Organic and inorganic fluorochromes with different reactivities have been developed.
Targeted delivery
Effective drug delivery is an essential element to achieve a preferred medical outcome. Appropriated delivery vehicles are needed to transport drugs to various sites and targets, such as specific organs, tissues, subcellular compartments, and biomolecules. We are interested in developing innovative delivery vectors to overcome biological barriers by engineering natural and synthetic biomolecules. Promising vectors have been applied to deliver drugs, genes, and imaging probes.
Nanotechnology
Our recent progresses in nano-medicine research have created a new wave of medical innovation in medical diagnosis and treatment. We have designed a series of nano-molecules equipped with multiple functionalities by integrating our expertise in delivery, enzyme-assisted activation systems and bio-conjugations. These nano-medicines, which are guided by a build-in navigation system, could report abnormalities in their early stages, treat disease, direct surgical operation, and report treatment efficacy.
Current Projects:
- Tracking therapeutic cells in vivo
- Optical imaging guided surgical procedure
- Multifunctional nanoparticles for imaging and therapy
- Ultrasound assisted therapy
- Enzyme activatable MR imaging
- Adipogenesis inhibition
Publications: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/ching-hsuan.tung.1/bibliography/40036417/public/?sort=date&direction=descending
Principal Investigator
Ching H. Tung, Ph.D.
Research Profile: http://vivo.med.cornell.edu/display/cwid-cht2018
Laboratory Members:
Cindy Han, MS
Young Kim, MD, PhD
Seung Koo Lee, PhD
Tae Sup Lee, PhD
Fuad Nurili, MD
Lara Pes, PhD
Jianguang Wang, PhD
Weiqi Zhang, PhD
Zhe Zhang, PhD