The Ning lab focus on designing metal-based complexes based on spin chemistry for disease detection and therapy.

1. Spin Chemistry in Disease Detection

MRI is a powerful technique in biomedical research and diagnostics that relies on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a phenomenon deeply rooted in spin chemistry. However, the sensitivity of molecular MRI is relatively low and micromolar to millimolar concentrations are required for MRI detection in vivo. For targeting to a specific protein or receptor, the target should be present in this concentration range. Our group aims to image targets with concentration down to micromolar and even nanomolar with molecular MRI.

2. Spin Chemistry in Disease Treatment

Spin chemistry plays a crucial role in biology, particularly in understanding how the spins of electrons and nuclei influence chemical reactions and biological processes. Many enzymes rely on transition metal ions or radicals with unpaired electrons to catalyze reactions. The spin states of these species can influence the reactivity and specificity of enzymatic reactions. For example, the enzyme cytochrome P450, which is involved in drug metabolism, uses a heme iron center whose spin state changes during the reaction cycle, affecting its ability to interact with substrates and oxygen. We are actively studying the relationship between spin state of metal ions and their reactivity. Understanding the mechanisms will enable us to design effective metal complex for disease treatment.