Chang Gung University

Radiopharmaceutical Lab.

Chi-Chang Weng
https://fangsheyaowushiyanshi.webnode.tw/

Research Field

Medicine

Introduction

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences at Chang Gung University (CGU), Taiwan. My research focuses on radiopharmaceutical sciences and molecular imaging, especially the development of PET/SPECT tracers for neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease) and oncology. Current projects in my laboratory include PARP-1 imaging probes, α-synuclein tracers, and FAP-targeted theranostic applications. I work closely with physician-scientists and radiochemists at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, creating an environment that connects basic science, preclinical imaging, and translational medicine. I also maintain collaborations with international partners, including the University of Pennsylvania (USA) and Umeå University (Sweden). These collaborations provide opportunities for students to gain interdisciplinary training and exposure to different research cultures. In my laboratory, students have the chance to learn hands-on radiotracer preparation, cell-based assays, autoradiography, and small-animal PET/CT imaging. I enjoy mentoring motivated students and welcome applicants who are interested in molecular imaging, radiomedicine, and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

My laboratory focuses on radiopharmaceutical development and molecular imaging. We are interested in designing and evaluating PET/SPECT radiotracers for neurological disorders and cancer, as well as exploring their translational potential. Current research topics include α-synuclein imaging for Parkinson’s disease, PARP-1 imaging for tumor characterization, and FAP-targeted theranostics. Our lab integrates radiochemistry, molecular biology, and in vivo imaging. We work closely with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and international research partners to bridge preclinical research with potential clinical applications. I welcome motivated students who are curious about radiomedicine and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

What students can learn:
Students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in radiotracer preparation, cell-based assays, autoradiography, and small-animal PET/CT imaging. Depending on the duration of the internship, students may also engage in data analysis, literature review, and research presentation.


Research Topics

My laboratory focuses on radiotracers and molecular imaging for neurological disorders and cancer. Current research topics include:

(1) Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration
We explore radiotracers targeting different pathological features of Parkinson’s disease, including:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): F-18-ROStrace for oxidative stress imaging
α-Synuclein: F-18-α-syn-3 for protein aggregation and Lewy pathology

(2) Tumor imaging using PARP-1 inhibitors
We investigate PARPi-based radiotracers for molecular characterization of different cancer types:
Breast cancer: I-123/125-KX-1
Lung cancer: F-18-FTT


Honor

Poster Award, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Philadelphia, USA — June 2018


Educational Background

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, NTHU, Taiwan (2010–2017)
• M.S., Medical Physics and Imaging Science, CGU, Taiwan (2008–2010)
• B.S., Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, CGU, Taiwan (2000–2004)