Selected Bibliography

• Sibson Nicola R, Lowe John P, Blamire Andrew M, Martin Matthew J, Obrenovitch Tiho P, and Anthony Daniel C (2008) Acute astrocyte activation in brain detected by MRI: new insights into T(1) hypointensity. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab, 28(3):621-32.

• von Zur Muhlen Constantin, Sibson Nicola R, Peter Karlheinz, Campbell Sandra J, Wilainam Panop, Grau Georges E, Bode Christoph, Choudhury Robin P, and Anthony Daniel C (2008) A contrast agent recognizing activated platelets reveals murine cerebral malaria pathology undetectable by conventional MRI. J Clin Invest, 118(3):1198-207.

• Broom Kerry A, Anthony Daniel C, Lowe John P, Griffin Julian L, Scott Helen, Blamire Andrew M, Styles Peter, Perry V H, and Sibson Nicola R (2007) MRI and MRS alterations in the preclinical phase of murine prion disease: association with neuropathological and behavioural changes. Neurobiol Dis, 26(3):707-17.

• McAteer Martina A, Sibson Nicola R, von Zur Muhlen Constantin, Schneider Jurgen E, Lowe Andrew S, Warrick Nicholas, Channon Keith M, Anthony Daniel C, and Choudhury Robin P (2007) In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of acute brain inflammation using microparticles of iron oxide. Nat Med, 13(10):1253-8.

• Preece Mark A, Sibson Nicola R, Raley Josephine M, Blamire Andrew, Styles Peter, and Sharp Trevor (2007) Region-specific effects of a tyrosine-free amino acid mixture on amphetamine-induced changes in BOLD fMRI signal in the rat brain. Synapse, 61(11):925-32.

Nicola Sibson

One of the primary research goals of the Experimental Neuroimaging Group is to better understand the relationship between neuronal activity and the associated haemodynamic and metabolic responses and, importantly, to determine the consequences of disease on these processes. The emphasis of our research programme is on whole system, in vivo, studies, with particular interest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its application in experimental models.

 We use a broad range of MRI techniques, including fMRI, together with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) approaches for measuring aspects of cerebral metabolism. In addition, we have recently been working extensively in the area of molecular MRI, with the aim of finding new methods of detecting neurological disease early, thus improving diagnosis and enabling targeted therapy.

Over the last 15 years, we have studied a number of models of human disease, including stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral malaria and prion disease, and have determined previously unrecognised aspects of these pathologies. We have a particular interest in the contribution of inflammatory processes to the development and progression of neurological disease. With the relocation of the ENG to ROB, we are now taking what we know from our previous MRI studies in models of neuropathology into the field of cancer and in particular brain metastasis. The primary goals of this new research programme are:

 (i)        To develop imaging methods for early detection and monitoring of brain metastases,

(ii)      To identify the role of inflammatory processes in the development of brain metastases, and

(iii)     To determine the consequences of brain metastases on brain metabolism and function.

 We anticipate that meeting these objectives will open new avenues for clinical interrogation of brain metastases, enabling improved and earlier detection of this devastating disease, and may identify new routes of therapeutic intervention.

 At the same time we will continue to expand our previous research programmes in neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling, pharmacological MRI, CNS inflammation (MS in particular) and the development of new MRI techniques.

2007 - Senior Group Leader
Deputy Director of Graduate Studies
Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology & Biology
University of Oxford

 2004-2007 - University Research Lecturer & Senior Research Scientist
Head of Experimental Neuroimaging Group
Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics
University of Oxford 

1999-2004 - MRC Research Scientist Band 3
MRC Biochemical & Clinical Magnetic Resonance Unit
University of Oxford

1997-1999 - Associate Research Scientist
Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry
USA

1995-1997 - Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry
Yale University
USA