Xiang Xu, PhD
img_Xiang Xu
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology
Research Topics
Blood-Brain Barrier, Brain, Brain Imaging, MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Multiple Sclerosis
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Medicine [AIET], Neuroscience [NEU]
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging
The CEST technique is an emerging contrast mechanism that aids in making molecules of biological significance with low concentration more observable using MRI. Conventionally, this technique is very time consuming as multiple spectra/images need to be acquired. I am interested in developing CEST spectroscopy and imaging technique that are fast, motion robust and specific.
Developing the use of D-glucose as an MRI contrast agent
Current clinical MRI contrast agents contain paramagnetic Gadolinium which are not safe for patients with compromised kidney function and a most recent study has shown that these agents leave permanent residues in brain tissues even in people with normal renal function. There is an urgent need in finding new, biocompatible contrast agents. I was one of the first to develop the use of D-glucose as a contrast agent for MRI. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar in our everyday life and it is the fuel for all cell activities. Through careful design and optimization, I was able to create an MRI experiment to dynamically monitor the uptake of glucose. When injecting glucose into mice implanted with a human brain tumor, I observed very good signal enhancements in the tumor region. In addition, the dynamic experiment I designed also provides information regarding how fast glucose is taken up by the tumor therefore reflecting the integrity of the blood brain barrier around the tumor. I am interested in exploiting the physiological origin of glucose contrast enhancement and developing imaging techniques that are sensitive to glucose.

B Eng, Jilin University

PhD, New York University

Postdoctoral fellowship, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

2021

Mount Sinai Distinguished Scholar Award

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

2017

magna cum laude

International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

2015

Golden Hairball Award

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology

2013

summa cum laude

International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Xu has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.