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Chacko AN, Miller ADC, Dhanabalan KM, Mukherjee A. Exploring the potential of water channels for developing genetically encoded reporters and biosensors for diffusion-weighted MRI. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2024; 365:107743. [PMID: 39053029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2024.107743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer a valuable technology for making molecular-scale measurements of biological processes within living organisms with high anatomical resolution and whole-organ coverage without relying on ionizing radiation. However, most MRI reporters rely on synthetic contrast agents, typically paramagnetic metals and metal complexes, which often need to be supplemented exogenously to create optimal contrast. To eliminate the need for synthetic contrast agents, we previously introduced aquaporin-1, a mammalian water channel, as a new reporter gene for the fully autonomous detection of genetically labeled cells using diffusion-weighted MRI. In this study, we aimed to expand the toolbox of diffusion-based genetic reporters by modulating aquaporin membrane trafficking and harnessing the evolutionary diversity of water channels across species. We identified a number of new water channels that functioned as diffusion-weighted reporter genes. In addition, we show that loss-of-function variants of yeast and human aquaporins can be leveraged to design first-in-class diffusion-based sensors for detecting the activity of a model protease within living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asish N Chacko
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA
| | - Austin D C Miller
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA
| | - Kaamini M Dhanabalan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA; Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080, USA.
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2
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Miller ADC, Chowdhury SP, Hanson HW, Linderman SK, Ghasemi HI, Miller WD, Morrissey MA, Richardson CD, Gardner BM, Mukherjee A. Engineering water exchange is a safe and effective method for magnetic resonance imaging in diverse cell types. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:30. [PMID: 38649904 PMCID: PMC11035135 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-1 (Aqp1), a water channel, has garnered significant interest for cell-based medicine and in vivo synthetic biology due to its ability to be genetically encoded to produce magnetic resonance signals by increasing the rate of water diffusion in cells. However, concerns regarding the effects of Aqp1 overexpression and increased membrane diffusivity on cell physiology have limited its widespread use as a deep-tissue reporter. In this study, we present evidence that Aqp1 generates strong diffusion-based magnetic resonance signals without adversely affecting cell viability or morphology in diverse cell lines derived from mice and humans. Our findings indicate that Aqp1 overexpression does not induce ER stress, which is frequently associated with heterologous expression of membrane proteins. Furthermore, we observed that Aqp1 expression had no detrimental effects on native biological activities, such as phagocytosis, immune response, insulin secretion, and tumor cell migration in the analyzed cell lines. These findings should serve to alleviate any lingering safety concerns regarding the utilization of Aqp1 as a genetic reporter and should foster its broader application as a noninvasive reporter for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin D C Miller
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Soham P Chowdhury
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Hadley W Hanson
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Sarah K Linderman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Hannah I Ghasemi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Wyatt D Miller
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Meghan A Morrissey
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Chris D Richardson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Brooke M Gardner
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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3
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Chacko AN, Miller AD, Dhanabalan KM, Mukherjee A. Exploring the potential of water channels for developing MRI reporters and sensors without the need for exogenous contrast agents. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.21.576580. [PMID: 38328035 PMCID: PMC10849501 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.21.576580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer a valuable technology for making molecular-scale measurements of biological processes within living organisms with high anatomical resolution and whole-organ coverage without relying on ionizing radiation. However, most MRI reporters rely on contrast agents, typically paramagnetic metals and metal complexes, which often need to be supplemented exogenously to create optimal contrast. To eliminate the need for contrast agents, we previously introduced aquaporin-1, a mammalian water channel, as a new reporter gene for the fully autonomous detection of genetically labeled cells using diffusion-weighted MRI. In this study, we aimed to expand the toolbox of diffusion-based genetic reporters by modulating aquaporin membrane trafficking and harnessing the evolutionary diversity of water channels across species. We identified a number of new water channels that functioned as diffusion-weighted reporter genes. In addition, we show that loss-of-function variants of yeast and human aquaporins can be leveraged to design first-in-class diffusion-based sensors for detecting the activity of a model protease within living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program
- Department of Chemical Engineering
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4
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Yang J, Yan M, Wang Z, Zhang C, Guan M, Sun Z. Optical and MRI Multimodal Tracing of Stem Cells In Vivo. Mol Imaging 2023; 2023:4223485. [PMID: 38148836 PMCID: PMC10751174 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4223485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has shown great clinical potential in oncology, injury, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. However, due to the technical limitations of the in vivo visualization of transplanted stem cells, the therapeutic mechanisms and biosafety of stem cells in vivo are poorly defined, which limits the speed of clinical translation. The commonly used methods for the in vivo tracing of stem cells currently include optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine imaging. However, nuclear medicine imaging involves radioactive materials, MRI has low resolution at the cellular level, and optical imaging has poor tissue penetration in vivo. It is difficult for a single imaging method to simultaneously achieve the high penetration, high resolution, and noninvasiveness needed for in vivo imaging. However, multimodal imaging combines the advantages of different imaging modalities to determine the fate of stem cells in vivo in a multidimensional way. This review provides an overview of various multimodal imaging technologies and labeling methods commonly used for tracing stem cells, including optical imaging, MRI, and the combination of the two, while explaining the principles involved, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different combination schemes, and discussing the challenges and prospects of human stem cell tracking techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Miao Guan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhenglong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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Mehta KJ. Iron-Related Genes and Proteins in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Detection and Therapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1773-1784. [PMID: 37269528 PMCID: PMC10238768 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are located in various tissues of the body. These cells exhibit regenerative and reparative properties, which makes them highly valuable for cell-based therapy. Despite this, majority of MSC-related studies remain to be translated for regular clinical use. This is partly because there are methodical challenges in pre-administration MSC labelling, post-administration detection and tracking of cells, and in retention of maximal therapeutic potential in-vivo. This calls for exploration of alternative or adjunctive approaches that would enable better detection of transplanted MSCs via non-invasive methods and enhance MSC therapeutic potential in-vivo. Interestingly, these attributes have been demonstrated by some iron-related genes and proteins.Accordingly, this unique forward-looking article integrates the apparently distinct fields of iron metabolism and MSC biology, and reviews the utility of iron-related genes and iron-related proteins in facilitating MSC detection and therapy, respectively. Effects of genetic overexpression of the iron-related proteins ferritin, transferrin receptor-1 and MagA in MSCs and their utilisation as reporter genes for improving MSC detection in-vivo are critically evaluated. In addition, the beneficial effects of the iron chelator deferoxamine and the iron-related proteins haem oxygenase-1, lipocalin-2, lactoferrin, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and hepcidin in enhancing MSC therapeutics are highlighted with the consequent intracellular alterations in MSCs. This review aims to inform both regenerative and translational medicine. It can aid in formulating better methodical approaches that will improve, complement, or provide alternatives to the current pre-transplantation MSC labelling procedures, and enhance MSC detection or augment the post-transplantation MSC therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosha J Mehta
- Centre for Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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Concilio SC, Russell SJ, Peng KW. A brief review of reporter gene imaging in oncolytic virotherapy and gene therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 21:98-109. [PMID: 33981826 PMCID: PMC8065251 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reporter gene imaging (RGI) can accelerate development timelines for gene and viral therapies by facilitating rapid and noninvasive in vivo studies to determine the biodistribution, magnitude, and durability of viral gene expression and/or virus infection. Functional molecular imaging systems used for this purpose can be divided broadly into deep-tissue and optical modalities. Deep-tissue modalities, which can be used in animals of any size as well as in human subjects, encompass single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional/molecular magnetic resonance imaging (f/mMRI). Optical modalities encompass fluorescence, bioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence, and photoacoustic imaging and are suitable only for small animal imaging. Here we discuss the mechanisms of action and relative merits of currently available reporter gene systems, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of deep tissue versus optical imaging systems and the hardware/reagents that are used for data capture and processing. In light of recent technological advances, falling costs of imaging instruments, better availability of novel radioactive and optical tracers, and a growing realization that RGI can give invaluable insights across the entire in vivo translational spectrum, the approach is becoming increasingly essential to facilitate the competitive development of new virus- and gene-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kah-Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Xiong Q, Li X, Li W, Chen G, Xiao H, Li P, Wu C. WDR45 Mutation Impairs the Autophagic Degradation of Transferrin Receptor and Promotes Ferroptosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:645831. [PMID: 34012978 PMCID: PMC8126626 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.645831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR45 is an autophagy-related protein that involves in the formation of autophagosome. Mutations in WDR45 lead to the impairment of autophagy which is associated with the human β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). However, the relationship between autophagy and brain iron accumulation in patients with BPAN remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that transferrin receptor (TfRC) which is critical for the iron import of cells was degraded via autophagy. TfRC was accumulated after the inhibition of autophagy by treatment with autophagic inhibitor chloroquine or knockdown of ATG2A. The intracellular iron content was increased in cells overexpressing TfRC or mutant WDR45, however, ferritin H (FTH) chain was decreased. Increased TfRC and simultaneously decreased FTH consequently resulted in an elevated level of ferrous iron (Fe2+) which further promoted cell ferroptosis, demonstrated by the increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and cell viability. Taken together, these findings provide a piece of important evidence that WDR45 deficiency impairs autophagic degradation of TfRC, therefore leading to iron accumulation, and the elevated iron promotes ferroptosis which may contribute to the progression of BPAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Xiong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guangxin Chen
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Zhou J, Zhou Q, Shu G, Wang X, Lu Y, Chen H, Hu T, Cai J, Du Y, Yu R. Dual-Effect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reporter Gene in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:7235-7249. [PMID: 33061378 PMCID: PMC7533905 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s257628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Propose The early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ferritin heavy chain (Fth) modified by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter has been studied. However, no study has focused on the considerable upregulation and specific targeting effects of transferrin receptors (TfR) caused by the transfection of plasmids encoded with the AFP promoter. Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate whether the transfection of Fth gene modified with AFP promoter (AFP@Fth) could be used for early diagnosis and enhanced treatment of HCC. Methods The AFP@Fth plasmid was transfected into AFP positive cells. The expression of intracellular Ferritin was verified by Western blot, and the upregulation of TfR was confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. Cellular iron accumulation resulting in decreased imaging signals was examined by magnetic resonance imagining. Doxorubicin liposome modified with transferrin (Tf-LPD) was prepared to investigate the efficiency of the subsequent treatment after transfection. The enhanced drug distribution and effects were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results Both Ferritin and TfR were overexpressed after transfection. The transfected cells showed higher intracellular iron accumulation and resulted in a lower MR T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) intensity, suggesting that the transfection of AFP@Fth could be a potential strategy for early diagnosis of liver cancer. The following treatment efficacy was revealed by Tf-LPD. As compared with un-transfected cells, transfected cells exhibited higher uptake of transferrin-modified liposomes (Tf-LP), which was due to the specific interaction between Tf and TfR overexpressed on the transfected cells. This is also the reason why Tf-LPD showed better in vitro and in vivo anticancer ability than doxorubicin loaded liposome (LPD). These results suggested that transfection of AFP@Fth could result in enhanced therapy of liver cancer. Conclusion Transfection of AFP@Fth could be used for early diagnosis and for enhanced treatment of live cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaomei Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaofeng Shu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Cai
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Risheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
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Ozbakir HF, Anderson NT, Fan KC, Mukherjee A. Beyond the Green Fluorescent Protein: Biomolecular Reporters for Anaerobic and Deep-Tissue Imaging. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:293-302. [PMID: 31794658 PMCID: PMC7033020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence imaging represents cornerstone technology for studying biological function at the cellular and molecular levels. The technology's centerpiece is a prolific collection of genetic reporters based on the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and related analogs. More than two decades of protein engineering have endowed the GFP repertoire with an incredible assortment of fluorescent proteins, allowing scientists immense latitude in choosing reporters tailored to various cellular and environmental contexts. Nevertheless, GFP and derivative reporters have specific limitations that hinder their unrestricted use for molecular imaging. These challenges have inspired the development of new reporter proteins and imaging mechanisms. Here, we review how these developments are expanding the frontiers of reporter gene techniques to enable nondestructive studies of cell function in anaerobic environments and deep inside intact animals-two important biological contexts that are fundamentally incompatible with the use of GFP-based reporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun F. Ozbakir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Nolan T. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Kang-Ching Fan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Center for Bioengineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
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10
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Fath-Bayati L, Vasei M, Sharif-Paghaleh E. Optical fluorescence imaging with shortwave infrared light emitter nanomaterials for in vivo cell tracking in regenerative medicine. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:7905-7918. [PMID: 31559692 PMCID: PMC6850965 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo tracking and monitoring of adoptive cell transfer has a distinct importance in cell‐based therapy. There are many imaging modalities for in vivo monitoring of biodistribution, viability and effectiveness of transferred cells. Some of these procedures are not applicable in the human body because of low sensitivity and high possibility of tissue damages. Shortwave infrared region (SWIR) imaging is a relatively new technique by which deep biological tissues can be potentially visualized with high resolution at cellular level. Indeed, scanning of the electromagnetic spectrum (beyond 1000 nm) of SWIR has a great potential to increase sensitivity and resolution of in vivo imaging for various human tissues. In this review, molecular imaging modalities used for monitoring of biodistribution and fate of administered cells with focusing on the application of non‐invasive optical imaging at shortwave infrared region are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Fath-Bayati
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vasei
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Cell-based Therapies Research Institute, Digestive Disease Research Institute (DDRI), Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Sharif-Paghaleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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11
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Guan X, Yang B, Xie M, Ban DK, Zhao X, Lal R, Zhang F. MRI reporter gene MagA suppresses transferrin receptor and maps Fe 2+ dependent lung cancer. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 21:102064. [PMID: 31326524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
As a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter gene, MagA has become a powerful tool to monitor dynamic gene expression and allowed concomitant high resolution anatomical and functional imaging of subcellular genetic information. Here we establish a stably expressed MagA method for lung cancer MRI. The results show that MagA can not only enhance both in vitro and in vivo MRI contrast by specifically alternating the transverse relaxation rate of water, but also inhibit the malignant growth of lung tumor. In addition, MagA can regulate magnetic nanoparticle production in grafted tissues and also suppress transferrin receptor expression by acting as an iron transporter, and meanwhile can permit iron biomineralization in the presence of mammalian iron homeostasis. This work provides experimental evidence for the safe preclinical applications of MagA as both a potential inhibitor and an MRI-based tracing tool for iron ion-dependent lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Guan
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomat ology Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maobin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomat ology Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deependra Kumar Ban
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, California, United States
| | - Xinmin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, California, United States.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomat ology Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Zhang Q, Lu Y, Xu X, Li S, Du Y, Yu R. MR molecular imaging of HCC employing a regulated ferritin gene carried by a modified polycation vector. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:3189-3201. [PMID: 31118631 PMCID: PMC6504634 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s191270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Early diagnosis is essential for reducing liver cancer mortality, and molecular diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging and promising technology. The chief aim of the present work is to use the ferritin gene, modified by the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter, carried by a highly safe vector, to produce signal contrast on T2-weighted MR imaging as an endogenous contrast agent, and to provide a highly specific target for subsequent therapy. Methods: Polyethyleneimine-β-cyclodextrin (PEI-β-CD, PC) was synthesized as a novel vector. The optimal nitrogen/phosphorus ratio (N/P) of the PC/plasmid DNA complex was determined by gel retardation, biophysical properties and transmission electron microscopy morphological analysis. The transfection efficiency was observed under a fluorescence microscope and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cellular iron accumulation caused by ferritin overexpression was verified by Prussian blue staining, and the resulting contrast imaging effect was examined by MRI. Results: The modified cationic polymer PC was much safer than high molecular weight PEI, and could condense plasmid DNA at an N/P ratio of 50 with suitable biophysical properties and a high transfection efficiency. Overexpression of ferritin enriched intracellular iron. The short-term iron imbalance initiated by AFP promoter regulation only occurred in hepatoma cells, resulting in signal contrast on MRI. The specific target TfR was also upregulated during this process. Conclusion: These results illustrate that the regulated ferritin gene carried by PC can be used as an endogenous contrast agent for MRI detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This molecular imaging technique may promote safer early diagnosis of HCC, and provide a more highly specific target for future chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Risheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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13
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Brewer KD, Spitler R, Lee KR, Chan AC, Barrozo JC, Wakeel A, Foote CS, Machtaler S, Rioux J, Willmann JK, Chakraborty P, Rice BW, Contag CH, Bell CB, Rutt BK. Characterization of Magneto-Endosymbionts as MRI Cell Labeling and Tracking Agents. Mol Imaging Biol 2018; 20:65-73. [PMID: 28616842 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-017-1093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Magneto-endosymbionts (MEs) show promise as living magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for in vivo cell tracking. Here we characterize the biomedical imaging properties of ME contrast agents, in vitro and in vivo. PROCEDURES By adapting and engineering magnetotactic bacteria to the intracellular niche, we are creating magneto-endosymbionts (MEs) that offer advantages relative to passive iron-based contrast agents (superparamagnetic iron oxides, SPIOs) for cell tracking. This work presents a biomedical imaging characterization of MEs including: MRI transverse relaxivity (r 2) for MEs and ME-labeled cells (compared to a commercially available iron oxide nanoparticle); microscopic validation of labeling efficiency and subcellular locations; and in vivo imaging of a MDA-MB-231BR (231BR) human breast cancer cells in a mouse brain. RESULTS At 7T, r 2 relaxivity of bare MEs was higher (250 s-1 mM-1) than that of conventional SPIO (178 s-1 mM-1). Optimized in vitro loading of MEs into 231BR cells yielded 1-4 pg iron/cell (compared to 5-10 pg iron/cell for conventional SPIO). r 2 relaxivity dropped by a factor of ~3 upon loading into cells, and was on the same order of magnitude for ME-loaded cells compared to SPIO-loaded cells. In vivo, ME-labeled cells exhibited strong MR contrast, allowing as few as 100 cells to be detected in mice using an optimized 3D SPGR gradient-echo sequence. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the potential of magneto-endosymbionts as living MR contrast agents. They have r 2 relaxivity values comparable to traditional iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agents, and provide strong MR contrast when loaded into cells and implanted in tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D Brewer
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Spitler
- Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Steven Machtaler
- Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James Rioux
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Juergen K Willmann
- Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher H Contag
- Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian K Rutt
- Radiology Department and Molecular Imaging Program (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Richard M. Lucas Center for Imaging, Stanford University School of Medicine, The Lucas Expansion, Room PS-064, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5488, USA.
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14
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In Vitro Neural Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Carrying the FTH1 Reporter Gene and Detection with MRI. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:1978602. [PMID: 30046590 PMCID: PMC6038692 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1978602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) reporter gene has been used to trace stem cells. However, whether FTH1 expression is affected by stem cell differentiation or whether cell differentiation is affected by reporter gene expression remains unclear. Here, we explore the relationship between FTH1 expression and neural differentiation in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) carrying FTH1 into neuron-like cells and investigate the feasibility of using FTH1 as an MRI reporter gene to detect neurally differentiated cells. By inducing cell differentiation with all-trans retinoic acid and a modified neuronal medium, MSCs and MSCs-FTH1 were successfully differentiated into neuron-like cells (Neurons and Neurons-FTH1), and the neural differentiation rates were (91.56±7.89)% and (92.23±7.64)%, respectively. Neuron-specific markers, including nestin, neuron-specific enolase, and microtubule-associated protein-2, were significantly expressed in Neurons-FTH1 and Neurons without noticeable differences. On the other hand, FTH1 was significantly expressed in MSCs-FTH1 and Neurons-FTH1 cells, and the expression levels were not significantly different. The R2 value was significantly increased in MSCs-FTH1 and Neurons-FTH1 cells, which was consistent with the findings of Prussian blue staining, transmission electron microscopy, and intracellular iron measurements. These results suggest that FTH1 gene expression did not affect MSC differentiation into neurons and was not affected by neural differentiation. Thus, MRI reporter gene imaging based on FTH1 can be used for the detection of neurally differentiated cells from MSCs.
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15
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Wu Q, Ono K, Suzuki H, Eguchi M, Yamaguchi S, Sawada M. Visualization of Arc promoter-driven neuronal activity by magnetic resonance imaging. Neurosci Lett 2018; 666:92-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Scarfe L, Brillant N, Kumar JD, Ali N, Alrumayh A, Amali M, Barbellion S, Jones V, Niemeijer M, Potdevin S, Roussignol G, Vaganov A, Barbaric I, Barrow M, Burton NC, Connell J, Dazzi F, Edsbagge J, French NS, Holder J, Hutchinson C, Jones DR, Kalber T, Lovatt C, Lythgoe MF, Patel S, Patrick PS, Piner J, Reinhardt J, Ricci E, Sidaway J, Stacey GN, Starkey Lewis PJ, Sullivan G, Taylor A, Wilm B, Poptani H, Murray P, Goldring CEP, Park BK. Preclinical imaging methods for assessing the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies. NPJ Regen Med 2017; 2:28. [PMID: 29302362 PMCID: PMC5677988 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-017-0029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine therapies hold enormous potential for a variety of currently incurable conditions with high unmet clinical need. Most progress in this field to date has been achieved with cell-based regenerative medicine therapies, with over a thousand clinical trials performed up to 2015. However, lack of adequate safety and efficacy data is currently limiting wider uptake of these therapies. To facilitate clinical translation, non-invasive in vivo imaging technologies that enable careful evaluation and characterisation of the administered cells and their effects on host tissues are critically required to evaluate their safety and efficacy in relevant preclinical models. This article reviews the most common imaging technologies available and how they can be applied to regenerative medicine research. We cover details of how each technology works, which cell labels are most appropriate for different applications, and the value of multi-modal imaging approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the responses to cell therapy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Scarfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nathalie Brillant
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Noura Ali
- College of Health Science, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammed Amali
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephane Barbellion
- Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vendula Jones
- GlaxoSmithKline, David Jack Centre for Research and Development, Ware, UK
| | - Marije Niemeijer
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sophie Potdevin
- SANOFI Research and Development, Disposition, Safety and Animal Research, Alfortville, France
| | - Gautier Roussignol
- SANOFI Research and Development, Disposition, Safety and Animal Research, Alfortville, France
| | - Anatoly Vaganov
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - John Connell
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Dazzi
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Neil S French
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Julie Holder
- Roslin Cells, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire Hutchinson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David R Jones
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Tammy Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cerys Lovatt
- GlaxoSmithKline, David Jack Centre for Research and Development, Ware, UK
| | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Patel
- ReNeuron Ltd, Pencoed Business Park, Pencoed, Bridgend, UK
| | - P Stephen Patrick
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Piner
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Emanuelle Ricci
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Glyn N Stacey
- UK Stem Cell Bank, Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards Control, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Philip J Starkey Lewis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gareth Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Blindern, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arthur Taylor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chris E P Goldring
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Kevin Park
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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17
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Santoso MR, Yang PC. Molecular Imaging of Stem Cells and Exosomes for Myocardial Regeneration. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12410-017-9433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Sharkey J, Scarfe L, Santeramo I, Garcia-Finana M, Park BK, Poptani H, Wilm B, Taylor A, Murray P. Imaging technologies for monitoring the safety, efficacy and mechanisms of action of cell-based regenerative medicine therapies in models of kidney disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 790:74-82. [PMID: 27375077 PMCID: PMC5063540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of end stage kidney disease is rising annually and it is now a global public health problem. Current treatment options are dialysis or renal transplantation, which apart from their significant drawbacks in terms of increased morbidity and mortality, are placing an increasing economic burden on society. Cell-based Regenerative Medicine Therapies (RMTs) have shown great promise in rodent models of kidney disease, but clinical translation is hampered due to the lack of adequate safety and efficacy data. Furthermore, the mechanisms whereby the cell-based RMTs ameliorate injury are ill-defined. For instance, it is not always clear if the cells directly replace damaged renal tissue, or whether paracrine effects are more important. Knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of cell therapies is crucial because it could lead to the development of safer and more effective RMTs in the future. To address these questions, novel in vivo imaging strategies are needed to monitor the biodistribution of cell-based RMTs and evaluate their beneficial effects on host tissues and organs, as well as any potential adverse effects. In this review we will discuss how state-of-the-art imaging modalities, including bioluminescence, magnetic resonance, nuclear imaging, ultrasound and an emerging imaging technology called multispectral optoacoustic tomography, can be used in combination with various imaging probes to track the fate and biodistribution of cell-based RMTs in rodent models of kidney disease, and evaluate their effect on renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Sharkey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Lauren Scarfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ilaria Santeramo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Marta Garcia-Finana
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Brian K Park
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Arthur Taylor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK.
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19
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MRI Reporter Genes for Noninvasive Molecular Imaging. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21050580. [PMID: 27213309 PMCID: PMC6273230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important imaging technologies used in clinical diagnosis. Reporter genes for MRI can be applied to accurately track the delivery of cell in cell therapy, evaluate the therapy effect of gene delivery, and monitor tissue/cell-specific microenvironments. Commonly used reporter genes for MRI usually include genes encoding the enzyme (e.g., tyrosinase and β-galactosidase), the receptor on the cells (e.g., transferrin receptor), and endogenous reporter genes (e.g., ferritin reporter gene). However, low sensitivity limits the application of MRI and reporter gene-based multimodal imaging strategies are common including optical imaging and radionuclide imaging. These can significantly improve diagnostic efficiency and accelerate the development of new therapies.
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20
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Pereira SM, Williams SR, Murray P, Taylor A. MS-1 magA: Revisiting Its Efficacy as a Reporter Gene for MRI. Mol Imaging 2016; 15:15/0/1536012116641533. [PMID: 27118760 PMCID: PMC5470133 DOI: 10.1177/1536012116641533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial genes involved in the biomineralization of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetotactic bacteria have recently been proposed as reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In such systems, the expression of the bacterial genes in mammalian cells purportedly leads to greater concentrations of intracellular iron or the biomineralization of iron oxides, thus leading to an enhancement in relaxation rate that is detectable via MRI. Here, we show that the constitutive expression of the magA gene from Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum is tolerated by human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells but induces a strong toxic effect in murine mesenchymal/stromal cells and kidney-derived stem cells, severely restricting its effective use as a reporter gene for stem cells. Although it has been suggested that magA is involved in iron transport, when expressed in HEK cells, it does not affect the transcription of endogenous genes related to iron homeostasis. Furthermore, the magA-induced enhancement in iron uptake in HEK cells is insignificant, suggesting this gene is a poor reporter even for cell types that can tolerate its expression. We suggest that the use of magA for stem cells should be approached with caution, and its efficacy as a reporter gene requires a careful assessment on a cell-by-cell basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Pereira
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steve R Williams
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Murray
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Taylor
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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21
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Pereira SM, Herrmann A, Moss D, Poptani H, Williams SR, Murray P, Taylor A. Evaluating the effectiveness of transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) as a magnetic resonance reporter gene. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2016; 11:236-44. [PMID: 26929139 PMCID: PMC4981909 DOI: 10.1002/cmmi.1686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) reporter genes have the potential for tracking the biodistribution and fate of cells in vivo, thus allowing the safety, efficacy and mechanisms of action of cell-based therapies to be comprehensively assessed. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the iron importer transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) as an MR reporter gene in the model cell line CHO-K1. Overexpression of the TfR1 transgene led to a reduction in the levels of endogenous TfR1 mRNA, but to a 60-fold increase in total TfR1 protein levels. Although the mRNA levels of ferritin heavy chain-1 (Fth1) did not change, Fth1 protein levels increased 13-fold. The concentration of intracellular iron increased significantly, even when cells were cultured in medium that was not supplemented with iron and the amount of iron in the extracellular environment was thus at physiological levels. However, we found that, by supplementing the cell culture medium with ferric citrate, a comparable degree of iron uptake and MR contrast could be achieved in control cells that did not express the TfR1 transgene. Sufficient MR contrast to enable the cells to be detected in vivo following their administration into the midbrain of chick embryos was obtained irrespective of the reporter gene. We conclude that TfR1 is not an effective reporter and that, to track the biodistribution of cells with MR imaging in the short term, it is sufficient to simply culture cells in the presence of ferric citrate. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Pereira
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anne Herrmann
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Diana Moss
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Harish Poptani
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Steve R Williams
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Oxford Road, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Patricia Murray
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Arthur Taylor
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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