Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mMRI)

Abstract

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) enables the detection of a protein of interest in vivo, in a noninvasive manner. The general concept of mMRI is to target a contrast agent to a protein of interest, and to perform a contrast-sensitive MRI sequence. Typically, contrast agents are made of a "contrastophore" (the part of the construct responsible for the contrast on the images) and a targeting moiety ("pharmacophore"). Recently, the development of a new family of contrastophore carrying a high payload of iron oxide (micro-sized particles of iron oxide, MPIO) has led to a dramatic increase in the sensitivity of mMRI. Here, we describe the production of targeted MPIO using commercially available reagents and the MRI protocols to allow their detection in vivo.

Effective strategies to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of RCC: The application of biocompatible materials

“…Both in vitro and in vivo MRI studies of cancer cells have shown that the Mn–MoS 2 QDs, when conjugated with the AS1411 aptamer, selectively label renal cancer cells with fluorescence and enhance the MRI signal in the tumor region with very minimal toxicity. Furthermore, molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) using targeted probes allows for more precise imaging guidance compared to conventional MRI, thereby significantly improving sensitivity [ 89 , 90 ]. Liu et al prepared an mMRI probe for the targeted imaging of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by conjugating superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with the G250 antibody [ 91 ].…”