Tumor‐specific expression and detection of a CEST reporter gene

Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) is a powerful new tool well suited for molecular imaging. This technology enables the detection of low concentration probes through selective labeling of rapidly exchanging protons or other spins on the probes. In this review, we will highlight the unique features of CEST imaging technology and describe the different types of CEST agents which are suited for molecular imaging studies including CEST theranostic agents, CEST reporter genes, and CEST environmental sensors.

show abstract

“…4). In a separate study, Pomper and colleagues have demonstrated tumor-specific expression of LRP using a tumor-specific promoter (79) (Fig. 5).…”

Section: Cest Reporter Genes For Cellular Imagingmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…t-test showed statistical difference of CEST contrast at 3.4-3.6 ppm, (*p<0.05; n=8). Reproduced from (79) with permission.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Cellular and Molecular Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer

McMahon

Gilad

2016

Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…By using hTERT to drive the ferritin heavy chain MR imaging could be used to detect a variety of tumors in vivo, although at lower sensitivity than through methods employing radiotracers (Yang et al, 2016). MR was also the modality of choice for imaging the lysine-rich protein, the expression of which was driven by PEG-3, using chemical exchange saturation transfer (Minn et al, 2015) (Fig. 4).…”

Section: Approaches Currently Used To Detect Metastatic Lesions (Omentioning

confidence: 99%

Detecting Tumor Metastases

Menezes

Das

Minn

et al. 2016

Advances in Cancer Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Metastasis is the complex process by which primary tumor cells migrate and establish secondary tumors in an adjacent or distant location in the body. Early detection of metastatic disease and effective therapeutic options for targeting these detected metastases remain impediments to effectively treating patients with advanced cancers. If metastatic lesions are identified early, patients might maximally benefit from effective early therapeutic interventions. Further, monitoring patients whose primary tumors are effectively treated for potential metastatic disease onset is also highly valuable. Finally, patients with metastatic disease can be monitored for efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions through effective metastatic detection techniques. Thus, being able to detect and visualize metastatic lesions is key and provides potential to greatly improve overall patient outcomes. In order to achieve these objectives, researchers have endeavored to mechanistically define the steps involved in the metastatic process as well as ways to effectively detect metastatic progression. We presently overview various preclinical and clinical in vitro and in vivo assays developed to more efficiently detect tumor metastases, which provides the foundation for developing more effective therapies for this invariably fatal component of the cancerous process.

show abstract

“…(iii) The reporter contrast can be switched on/off by the use of a selective MR RF saturation pulse, allowing the acquisition of additional and uncontaminated anatomical/functional MRI information at the same imaging session. Of particular promise was the development of the lysine-rich protein (LRP) reporter gene 23 , with demonstrated applicability for imaging cells in tumors 29 , oncolytic virus delivery and spread 5 , and cardiac viral vector expression 30 . However, thus far, the gap between the promise of MR reporters and actual clinical use has not been bridged due to the low sensitivity and specificity of the detection.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Redesigned Reporter Gene for Improved Proton Exchange-based Molecular MRI Contrast

Perlman

Ito

Gilad

et al. 2020

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Reporter gene imaging allows for non-invasive monitoring of molecular processes in living cells, providing insights on the mechanisms underlying pathology and therapy. A lysine-rich protein (LRP) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI reporter gene has previously been developed and used to image tumor cells, cardiac viral gene transfer, and oncolytic virotherapy.However, the highly repetitive nature of the LRP reporter gene sequence leads to DNA recombination events and the expression of a range of truncated LRP protein fragments, thereby greatly limiting the CEST sensitivity. Here we report the use of a redesigned LRP reporter (rdLRP), aimed to provide excellent stability and CEST sensitivity. The rdLRP contains no DNA repeats or GC rich regions and 30% less positively charged amino-acids. RT-PCR of cell lysates transfected with rdLRP demonstrated a stable reporter gene with a single distinct band corresponding to full-length DNA. A distinct increase in CEST-MRI contrast was obtained in cell lysates of rdLRP transfected cells and in in vivo LRP expressing mouse brain tumors (p=0.0275, n=10).

show abstract

Tumor‐specific expression and detection of a CEST reporter gene

Cited by 46 publications

References 48 publications

Cellular and Molecular Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer

Cellular and Molecular Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer

Detecting Tumor Metastases

Redesigned Reporter Gene for Improved Proton Exchange-based Molecular MRI Contrast

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About