We will investigate the chemical mechanisms underlying human diseases, including aging, cancer, metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Combining chemical biology, molecular imaging, and functional assays, we aim to i) identify disease-specific biomarkers, ii) decipher biochemical pathways, and iii) develop cell-specific chemical probes that improve our understanding of disease progression while facilitating diagnostic innovations. Beyond fundamental research, we will prioritize the commercialization of technologies to accelerate their translation from the laboratory to clinics.

To achieve that we will develop organic fluorophores with outstanding imaging and sensing capability. Such molecular probes will be capable of visualizing dynamic biological events in living cells, tissues, and animal models with high spatio temporal resolution. Our research will focus on imaging disease-associated biomarkers, enzymes, metabolites, reactive species, and organelle functions using confocal/ two-photon fluorescence, lifetime imaging, and multimodal imaging techniques. These will enable early detection of disease and and allow monitoring their progression in real-time. 

We will begin with the synthesis of fluorophore libraries, followed by biological evaluation through cell-based and enzyme activity assays. High-content fluorescence imaging will be used to screen probe performance, while flow cytometry, Western blotting, ELISA, and qPCR will provide quantitative validation of biological targets and signaling pathways. Promising probes will then be evaluated in animal disease models using in vivo imaging to assess biodistribution, target specificity, and performance for integration of the developed science into diagnostic technologies.