Translational Molecular Imaging
Group Leader:
Prof David Lewis
Translating Imaging Science into Impact — the TMI Facility develops and deploys cuttingedge PET/MRI technologies, radiotracers, and analytics for cancer research and clinical translation. The Translational Molecular Imaging (TMI) Facility, led by Prof David Lewis, advances novel imaging technologies and serves as a shared resource for researchers across the CRUK Scotland Institute and Scotland Cancer Centre. As a hub for emerging imaging science, TMI connects preclinical discovery to clinical implementation. We specialise in novel PET probes, imageable transgenic models, multitracer workflows, and AIenabled analytics integrated with spatialomics. TMI supports everything from facilitated scanning to fully collaborative development of imaging agents and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Our work targets metabolic heterogeneity and systemic metabolism (e.g., cachexia), delivering noninvasive biomarkers for classification, patient stratification, therapy guidance, and clinical translation.
Recent Publications
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Lab Members
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Recent Publications
2024
Hesketh, R. L.; Lewis, D. Y.; Brindle, K. M. (2024). Optimisation of Animal Handing and Timing of 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose PET Tumour Imaging in Mice. Molecular Imaging and Biology, 26 (6), 965-976.
2023
Villar, V. H., Allega, M. F., Deshmukh, R., Ackermann, T., Nakasone, M. A.; Vande Voorde, J., Drake, T. M., Oetjen, J. Bloom, A., Nixon, C. (2023). Hepatic glutamine synthetase controls N5-methylglutamine in homeostasis and cancer. Nature Chemical Biology. 19 (3), 292-300.
Lewis, D. Y. (2023). Multiplexing Autoradiography. Positron Emission Tomography: Methods and Protocols. 423-439.
Brown, G., Solovyev, D., Lewis, D. (2023). Radiosynthesis and analysis of (S)-4-(3-[18F] fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid. Nuclear Medicine and Biology. 126, S73-S74.
2022
Soloviev, D., Dzien, P., Mackintosh, A., Malviya, G., Brown, G., Lewis, D. (2022). High molar activity [18F] tetrafluoroborate synthesis for sodium iodide symporter imaging by PET. EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry. 7 (1), 32.
2020
Malviya, G., Patel, R., Salji, M., Martinez, R. S., Repiscak, P., Mui, E., Champion, S., Mrowinska, A., Johnson, E., AlRasheedi, M. (2020). 18F-Fluciclovine PET metabolic imaging reveals prostate cancer tumour heterogeneity associated with disease resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. EJNMMI Research. 10 (1), 143.
2019
Witney, T. H., Lewis, D. Y. (2019). Imaging cancer metabolism with positron emission tomography (PET). Cancer Metabolism: Methods and Protocols. 29-44.
2018
Zmuda, F., Blair, A., Liuzzi, M. C., Malviya, G., Chalmers, A. J., Lewis, D., Sutherland, A., Pimlott, S. L. (2018). An 18F-labeled poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase positron emission tomography imaging agent. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 61 (9), 4103-4114.
Principal Scientific Officer
Emma Brown
As part of my role in the lab, I ensure the efficient running of the Translational Molecular Imaging facility and engage in multiple collaborative projects within the CRUK SI and further afield. My research interests surround the use of molecular imaging to non-invasively probe tumour evolution, and the biological validation of in vivo imaging signals. As part of Team CANCAN, a Cancer Cachexia Cancer Grand Challenge, I apply broad knowledge of molecular imaging and mouse models to use pre-clinical PET/MRI to probe systemic changes in metabolism during tumour development and cancer cachexia.
Senior Scientific Officer
Abdullah Alyamani
I am a cancer research scientist with expertise in in vivo oncology, genetically engineered mouse models, and tumour biology. As part of my role in the lab, I lead preclinical research on lung, colorectal, and liver cancers, including orthotopic tumour models. My work integrates advanced imaging (PET/MRI), molecular analysis, and transgenic mouse models to uncover disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. I also coordinate and support molecular imaging studies across institutions, working closely with teams at the CRUK SI and the University of Glasgow.
Head of Radiochemistry
Dmitry Solovye
As Head of Radiochemistry, I lead radiochemistry efforts supporting PET imaging studies across Scotland, driving innovation in molecular imaging. My team has extensive expertise in radiopharmaceutical development, short-lived positron-emitting radionuclides, and advanced radiolabelling techniques. We specialize in radiolabelling metabolites to uncover cancer biochemistry and the interplay between disease biology and imaging.
By advancing preclinical and clinical PET studies, we help researchers translate discoveries into real-world impact.
Research Radiochemist
Gavin Brown
As a research radiochemist, I develop radiochemistry methods and techniques to produce radiotracers for application in PET imaging studies. I have experience in using both commercial and custom-built radiochemistry platforms to produce radiotracers for clinical and preclinical PET research in accordance with GMP guidelines and under local quality management systems. Positron-emitting radionuclides used include carbon-11, fluorine-18, zirconium-89, iodine-124, copper-64 and gallium-68.
Translational GMP Radiochemist
Valeria Burianova
I am the Translational GMP Radiochemist, focusing on developing PET tracers and bringing them from the bench into the clinical research stage. My background is in synthetic organic chemistry: I completed my undergraduate and Master’s degrees in St Petersburg (Russia) before moving to Glasgow where I got my PhD working on the synthesis of novel and existing PET tracers. Outside the lab I enjoy dancing, travelling, and exploring architecture wherever I go.
Senior Image Analyst
Algernon Bloom
I am a Senior Image Analyst specializing in AI-driven solutions for medical imaging. My work focuses on developing innovative tools for segmentation, classification, and patient stratification of radiological images to advance precision medicine through computational approaches. I work on both preclinical and clinical data and openly collaborate with internal teams and external partners. I am passionate about streamlining data analysis pipelines through automation, making advanced imaging analysis more accessible to healthcare providers.
PET Research Development Manager
Una Goncin
I leverage extensive expertise in project management, multimodal imaging, clinical trial management, and communications to drive the growth and impact of PET research in Glasgow. In my role, I lead the development, implementation, and oversight of PET imaging strategy, ensuring operational excellence, resource optimisation, and regularly compliance. My role includes building collaborations, supporting and securing research funding, and creating opportunities for translational success. I lead marketing and outreach initiatives to raise the profile of PET research and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Bernadette Andrews
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in David’s Molecular Imaging Group, where my work focuses on the quantification of PET data using kinetic modelling. I completed my PhD at the University of Edinburgh, developing non-invasive quantification methods for dynamic PET data using Total-Body PET. My current research continues to centre on advancing PET quantification methods, with a particular interest in applying kinetic modelling to uncover biologically meaningful insights from imaging data. Prior to my PhD, I also studied Physics at the University of Edinburgh, where I developed a strong interest in interdisciplinary applied physics.