Michael Kassiou
Papers
2
Total Citations
118
H-Index
2
About
Michael Kassiou is a leading figure in radiochemistry and molecular imaging, whose work has fundamentally advanced the non-invasive study of neuroinflammation. His research centers on the design and radiosynthesis of novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, with a particular focus on targeting the translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa)—a key biomarker for activated microglia in the brain. Kassiou’s major contributions include the development of DPA-714, a selective TSPO radioligand whose radiosynthesis he detailed in a seminal 2008 paper (88 citations). This tracer has become a widely used tool for imaging neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. He further expanded the TSPO imaging toolkit with the synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-PBR28 (2011, 30 citations), offering alternative pharmacokinetic properties. By providing the chemical foundation for these clinically relevant probes, Kassiou has enabled researchers worldwide to visualize and quantify neuroinflammation in living subjects, bridging chemistry and neuroscience. His work is not only technically innovative but also highly impactful, directly supporting translational studies that seek to understand and treat neurological disorders.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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