1
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Rallapalli H, McCall EC, Koretsky AP. Genetic control of MRI contrast using the manganese transporter Zip14. Magn Reson Med 2024; 92:820-835. [PMID: 38573932 PMCID: PMC11142883 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene-expression reporter systems, such as green fluorescent protein, have been instrumental to understanding biological processes in living organisms at organ system, tissue, cell, and molecular scales. More than 30 years of work on developing MRI-visible gene-expression reporter systems has resulted in a variety of clever application-specific methods. However, these techniques have not yet been widely adopted, so a general-purpose expression reporter is still required. Here, we demonstrate that the manganese ion transporter Zip14 is an in vivo MRI-visible, flexible, and robust gene-expression reporter to meet this need. METHODS Plasmid constructs consisting of a cell type-specific promoter, gene coding for human Zip14, and a histology-visible tag were packaged into adeno-associated viruses. These viruses were intracranially injected into the mouse brain. Serial in vivo MRI was performed using a vendor-supplied 3D-MPRAGE sequence. No additional contrast agents were administered. Animals were sacrificed after the last imaging timepoint for immunohistological validation. RESULTS Neuron-specific overexpression of Zip14 produced substantial and long-lasting changes in MRI contrast. Using appropriate viruses enabled both anterograde and retrograde neural tracing. Expression of Zip14 in astrocytes also enabled MRI of glia populations in the living mammalian brain. CONCLUSIONS The flexibility of this system as an MRI-visible gene-expression reporter will enable many applications of serial, high-resolution imaging of gene expression for basic science and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishna Rallapalli
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eleanor C McCall
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan P Koretsky
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Huang Y, Chen X, Zhu Z, Mukherjee A. A Dual-Gene Reporter-Amplifier Architecture for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Molecular MRI by Water Exchange. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400087. [PMID: 38439618 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The development of genetic reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for investigating biological functions in vivo. However, current MRI reporters have low sensitivity, making it challenging to create significant contrast against the tissue background, especially when only a small fraction of cells express the reporter. To overcome this limitation, we developed an approach for amplifying the sensitivity of molecular MRI by combining a chemogenetic contrast mechanism with a biophysical approach to increase water diffusion through the co-expression of a dual-gene construct comprising an organic anion transporting polypeptide, Oatp1b3, and a water channel, Aqp1. We first show that the expression of Aqp1 amplifies MRI contrast in cultured cells engineered to express Oatp1b3. We demonstrate that the contrast amplification is caused by Aqp1-driven increase in water exchange, which provides the gadolinium ions internalized by Oatp1b3-expressing cells with access to a larger water pool compared with exchange-limited conditions. We further show that our methodology allows cells to be detected using approximately 10-fold lower concentrations of gadolinium than that in the Aqp1-free scenario. Finally, we show that our approach enables the imaging of mixed-cell cultures containing a low fraction of Oatp1b3-labeled cells that are undetectable on the basis of Oatp1b3 expression alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
| | - Xinyue Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
| | - Ziyue Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080
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3
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Huang Y, Chen X, Zhu Z, Mukherjee A. A dual-gene reporter-amplifier architecture for enhancing the sensitivity of molecular MRI by water exchange. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576672. [PMID: 38328134 PMCID: PMC10849537 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576672] [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
The development of genetic reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for investigating biological functions in intact animals. However, current MRI reporters have low sensitivity, making it challenging to create significant contrast against the tissue background, especially when only a small percentage of cells express the reporter. To overcome this limitation, we developed an approach that amplifies signals by co-expressing an MRI reporter gene, Oatp1b3, with a water channel, aquaporin-1 (Aqp1). We first show that the expression of Aqp1 amplifies the paramagnetic relaxation effect of Oatp1b3 by facilitating transmembrane water exchange. This mechanism provides Oatp1b3-expressing cells with access to a larger water pool compared with typical exchange-limited conditions. We further demonstrated that our methodology allows dual-labeled cells to be detected using approximately 10-fold lower concentrations of contrast agent than that in the Aqp1-free scenario. Finally, we show that our approach enables the imaging of mixed-cell populations containing a low fraction of Oatp1b3-labeled cells that are otherwise undetectable based on Oatp1b3 expression alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinyue Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
| | - Ziyue Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
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4
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Yun J, Baldini M, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee A. Designing Protein-Based Probes for Sensing Biological Analytes with Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ANALYSIS & SENSING 2022; 2:e202200019. [PMID: 37409177 PMCID: PMC10321474 DOI: 10.1002/anse.202200019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded sensors provide unique advantages for monitoring biological analytes with molecular and cellular-level specificity. While sensors derived from fluorescent proteins represent staple tools in biological imaging, these probes are limited to optically accessible preparations owing to physical curbs on light penetration. In contrast to optical methods, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to noninvasively look inside intact organisms at any arbitrary depth and over large fields of view. These capabilities have spurred the development of innovative methods to connect MRI readouts with biological targets using protein-based probes that are in principle genetically encodable. Here, we highlight the state-of-the-art in MRI-based biomolecular sensors, focusing on their physical mechanisms, quantitative characteristics, and biological applications. We also describe how innovations in reporter gene technology are creating new opportunities to engineer MRI sensors that are sensitive to dilute biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yun
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Michelle Baldini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Rochishnu Chowdhury
- Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Center for BioEngineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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5
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Rozenberg JM, Kamynina M, Sorokin M, Zolotovskaia M, Koroleva E, Kremenchutckaya K, Gudkov A, Buzdin A, Borisov N. The Role of the Metabolism of Zinc and Manganese Ions in Human Cancerogenesis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051072. [PMID: 35625809 PMCID: PMC9139143 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal ion homeostasis is fundamental for life. Specifically, transition metals iron, manganese and zinc play a pivotal role in mitochondrial metabolism and energy generation, anti-oxidation defense, transcriptional regulation and the immune response. The misregulation of expression or mutations in ion carriers and the corresponding changes in Mn2+ and Zn2+ levels suggest that these ions play a pivotal role in cancer progression. Moreover, coordinated changes in Mn2+ and Zn2+ ion carriers have been detected, suggesting that particular mechanisms influenced by both ions might be required for the growth of cancer cells, metastasis and immune evasion. Here, we present a review of zinc and manganese pathophysiology suggesting that these ions might cooperatively regulate cancerogenesis. Zn and Mn effects converge on mitochondria-induced apoptosis, transcriptional regulation and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, mediating the immune response. Both Zn and Mn influence cancer progression and impact treatment efficacy in animal models and clinical trials. We predict that novel strategies targeting the regulation of both Zn and Mn in cancer will complement current therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Markovich Rozenberg
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Margarita Kamynina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Maksim Sorokin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Marianna Zolotovskaia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
| | - Elena Koroleva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Kristina Kremenchutckaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Alexander Gudkov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Oncobox Ltd., 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicolas Borisov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
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6
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Ozbakir HF, Miller ADC, Fishman KB, Martins AF, Kippin TE, Mukherjee A. A Protein-Based Biosensor for Detecting Calcium by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ACS Sens 2021; 6:3163-3169. [PMID: 34420291 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Calcium-responsive contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer a promising approach for noninvasive brain-wide monitoring of neural activity at any arbitrary depth. Current examples of MRI-based calcium probes involve synthetic molecules and nanoparticles, which cannot be used to examine calcium signaling in a genetically encoded form. Here, we describe a new MRI sensor for calcium, based entirely on a naturally occurring calcium-binding protein known as calprotectin. Calcium-binding causes calprotectin to sequester manganese ions, thereby limiting Mn2+ enhanced paramagnetic relaxation of nearby water molecules. We demonstrate that this mechanism allows calprotectin to alter T1 and T2 based MRI signals in response to biologically relevant calcium concentrations. The resulting response amplitude, i.e., change in relaxation time, is comparable to existing MRI-based calcium sensors as well as other reported protein-based MRI sensors. As a preliminary demonstration of its biological applicability, we used calprotectin to detect calcium in a lysed hippocampal cell preparation as well as in intact Chinese hamster ovary cells treated with a calcium ionophore. Calprotectin thus represents a promising path toward noninvasive imaging of calcium signaling by combining the molecular and cellular specificity of genetically encodable tools with the ability of MRI to image through scattering tissue of any size and depth.
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7
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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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8
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Perrin J, Capitao M, Mougin-Degraef M, Guérard F, Faivre-Chauvet A, Rbah-Vidal L, Gaschet J, Guilloux Y, Kraeber-Bodéré F, Chérel M, Barbet J. Cell Tracking in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:34. [PMID: 32118018 PMCID: PMC7033605 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The impressive development of cancer immunotherapy in the last few years originates from a more precise understanding of control mechanisms in the immune system leading to the discovery of new targets and new therapeutic tools. Since different stages of disease progression elicit different local and systemic inflammatory responses, the ability to longitudinally interrogate the migration and expansion of immune cells throughout the whole body will greatly facilitate disease characterization and guide selection of appropriate treatment regiments. While using radiolabeled white blood cells to detect inflammatory lesions has been a classical nuclear medicine technique for years, new non-invasive methods for monitoring the distribution and migration of biologically active cells in living organisms have emerged. They are designed to improve detection sensitivity and allow for a better preservation of cell activity and integrity. These methods include the monitoring of therapeutic cells but also of all cells related to a specific disease or therapeutic approach. Labeling of therapeutic cells for imaging may be performed in vitro, with some limitations on sensitivity and duration of observation. Alternatively, in vivo cell tracking may be performed by genetically engineering cells or mice so that may be revealed through imaging. In addition, SPECT or PET imaging based on monoclonal antibodies has been used to detect tumors in the human body for years. They may be used to detect and quantify the presence of specific cells within cancer lesions. These methods have been the object of several recent reviews that have concentrated on technical aspects, stressing the differences between direct and indirect labeling. They are briefly described here by distinguishing ex vivo (labeling cells with paramagnetic, radioactive, or fluorescent tracers) and in vivo (in vivo capture of injected radioactive, fluorescent or luminescent tracers, or by using labeled antibodies, ligands, or pre-targeted clickable substrates) imaging methods. This review focuses on cell tracking in specific therapeutic applications, namely cell therapy, and particularly CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy, which is a fast-growing research field with various therapeutic indications. The potential impact of imaging on the progress of these new therapeutic modalities is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Perrin
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Marisa Capitao
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Mougin-Degraef
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - François Guérard
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Alain Faivre-Chauvet
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Latifa Rbah-Vidal
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Joëlle Gaschet
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yannick Guilloux
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Françoise Kraeber-Bodéré
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Nantes, France.,Nuclear Medicine, ICO Cancer Center, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Michel Chérel
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Nuclear Medicine, ICO Cancer Center, Saint-Herblain, France
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9
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Cloyd RA, Koren SA, Abisambra JF. Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Overview and Central Nervous System Applications With a Focus on Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:403. [PMID: 30618710 PMCID: PMC6300587 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) rose to prominence in the 1990s as a sensitive approach to high contrast imaging. Following the discovery of manganese conductance through calcium-permeable channels, MEMRI applications expanded to include functional imaging in the central nervous system (CNS) and other body systems. MEMRI has since been employed in the investigation of physiology in many animal models and in humans. Here, we review historical perspectives that follow the evolution of applied MRI research into MEMRI with particular focus on its potential toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the more current in vivo investigative uses of MEMRI in CNS investigations and the brief but decorated clinical usage of chelated manganese compound mangafodipir in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Cloyd
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Shon A Koren
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience & Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jose F Abisambra
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience & Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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10
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Bedenk BT, Almeida-Corrêa S, Jurik A, Dedic N, Grünecker B, Genewsky AJ, Kaltwasser SF, Riebe CJ, Deussing JM, Czisch M, Wotjak CT. Mn 2+ dynamics in manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI): Ca v1.2 channel-mediated uptake and preferential accumulation in projection terminals. Neuroimage 2017; 169:374-382. [PMID: 29277401 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) exploits the biophysical similarity of Ca2+ and Mn2+ to map the brain's activity in vivo. However, to what extent different Ca2+ channels contribute to the enhanced signal that MEMRI provides and how Mn2+ dynamics influence Mn2+ brain accumulation after systemic administration of MnCl2 are not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking the L-type Ca2+ channel 1.2 (Cav1.2) in the CNS show approximately 50% less increase in MEMRI contrast after repeated systemic MnCl2 injections, as compared to control mice. In contrast, genetic deletion of L-type Ca2+ channel 1.3 (Cav1.3) did not reduce signal. Brain structure- or cell type-specific deletion of Cav1.2 in combination with voxel-wise MEMRI analysis revealed a preferential accumulation of Mn2+ in projection terminals, which was confirmed by local MnCl2 administration to defined brain areas. Taken together, we provide unequivocal evidence that Cav1.2 represents an important channel for neuronal Mn2+ influx after systemic injections. We also show that after neuronal uptake, Mn2+ preferentially accumulates in projection terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt T Bedenk
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Core Unit Neuroimaging, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Suellen Almeida-Corrêa
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Angela Jurik
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Dedic
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Grünecker
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Core Unit Neuroimaging, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas J Genewsky
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian F Kaltwasser
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Caitlin J Riebe
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Czisch
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Core Unit Neuroimaging, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Dept. Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
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11
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Mukherjee A, Davis HC, Ramesh P, Lu GJ, Shapiro MG. Biomolecular MRI reporters: Evolution of new mechanisms. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 102-103:32-42. [PMID: 29157492 PMCID: PMC5726449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful technique for observing the function of specific cells and molecules inside living organisms. However, compared to optical microscopy, in which fluorescent protein reporters are available to visualize hundreds of cellular functions ranging from gene expression and chemical signaling to biomechanics, to date relatively few such reporters are available for MRI. Efforts to develop MRI-detectable biomolecules have mainly focused on proteins transporting paramagnetic metals for T1 and T2 relaxation enhancement or containing large numbers of exchangeable protons for chemical exchange saturation transfer. While these pioneering developments established several key uses of biomolecular MRI, such as imaging of gene expression and functional biosensing, they also revealed that low molecular sensitivity poses a major challenge for broader adoption in biology and medicine. Recently, new classes of biomolecular reporters have been developed based on alternative contrast mechanisms, including enhancement of spin diffusivity, interactions with hyperpolarized nuclei, and modulation of blood flow. These novel reporters promise to improve sensitivity and enable new forms of multiplexed and functional imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Hunter C Davis
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Pradeep Ramesh
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - George J Lu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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12
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Barskiy DA, Coffey AM, Nikolaou P, Mikhaylov DM, Goodson BM, Branca RT, Lu GJ, Shapiro MG, Telkki VV, Zhivonitko VV, Koptyug IV, Salnikov OG, Kovtunov KV, Bukhtiyarov VI, Rosen MS, Barlow MJ, Safavi S, Hall IP, Schröder L, Chekmenev EY. NMR Hyperpolarization Techniques of Gases. Chemistry 2017; 23:725-751. [PMID: 27711999 PMCID: PMC5462469 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201603884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear spin polarization can be significantly increased through the process of hyperpolarization, leading to an increase in the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments by 4-8 orders of magnitude. Hyperpolarized gases, unlike liquids and solids, can often be readily separated and purified from the compounds used to mediate the hyperpolarization processes. These pure hyperpolarized gases enabled many novel MRI applications including the visualization of void spaces, imaging of lung function, and remote detection. Additionally, hyperpolarized gases can be dissolved in liquids and can be used as sensitive molecular probes and reporters. This Minireview covers the fundamentals of the preparation of hyperpolarized gases and focuses on selected applications of interest to biomedicine and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila A Barskiy
- Department of Radiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physics, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Aaron M Coffey
- Department of Radiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physics, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Panayiotis Nikolaou
- Department of Radiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physics, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Boyd M Goodson
- Southern Illinois University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Materials Technology Center, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Rosa T Branca
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - George J Lu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Vladimir V Zhivonitko
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova St. 2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Igor V Koptyug
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova St. 2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg G Salnikov
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova St. 2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kirill V Kovtunov
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova St. 2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valerii I Bukhtiyarov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, 5 Acad. Lavrentiev Pr., 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Matthew S Rosen
- MGH/A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Michael J Barlow
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Shahideh Safavi
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ian P Hall
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Leif Schröder
- Molecular Imaging, Department of Structural Biology, Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduard Y Chekmenev
- Department of Radiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physics, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
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13
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Non-invasive imaging using reporter genes altering cellular water permeability. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13891. [PMID: 28008959 PMCID: PMC5196229 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging of gene expression in live, optically opaque animals is important for multiple applications, including monitoring of genetic circuits and tracking of cell-based therapeutics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could enable such monitoring with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, existing MRI reporter genes based on metalloproteins or chemical exchange probes are limited by their reliance on metals or relatively low sensitivity. Here we introduce a new class of MRI reporters based on the human water channel aquaporin 1. We show that aquaporin overexpression produces contrast in diffusion-weighted MRI by increasing tissue water diffusivity without affecting viability. Low aquaporin levels or mixed populations comprising as few as 10% aquaporin-expressing cells are sufficient to produce MRI contrast. We characterize this new contrast mechanism through experiments and simulations, and demonstrate its utility in vivo by imaging gene expression in tumours. Our results establish an alternative class of sensitive, metal-free reporter genes for non-invasive imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging combined with molecular reporters can visualise cellular functions in intact organisms. Here Mukherjee et al. present a cellular imaging approach based on intracellular changes in water diffusion using human aquaporin 1 gene as a genetically encoded reporter for MRI.
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14
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Chehade M, Srivastava AK, Bulte JWM. Co-Registration of Bioluminescence Tomography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Multimodal In Vivo Stem Cell Tracking. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:159-165. [PMID: 27478872 PMCID: PMC4966683 DOI: 10.18383/j.tom.2016.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We present a practical approach for coregistration of bioluminescence tomography (BLT), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) images. For this, we developed a customized animal shuttle composed of nonfluorescent, MR-compatible Delrin plastic that fits a commercially available MR surface coil. Mouse embryonic stem cells were transfected with the luciferase gene and labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Cells were stereotaxically implanted in the mouse brain and imaged weekly for 4 weeks with bioluminescent imaging (IVIS Spectrum CT scanner) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 11.7 T horizontal bore scanner). Without the use of software coregistration, in vitro phantom studies yielded root-mean-square errors of 7.6 × 10−3, 0.93 mm, and 0.78 mm along the medial–lateral (ML), dorsal–ventral (DV), and anterior–posterior (AP) axes, respectively. Rotation errors were negligible. Software coregistration by translation along the DV and AP axes resulted in consistent agreement between the CT and MR images, without the need for rotation or warping. In vivo coregistered BLT/MRI mouse brain data sets showed a single diffuse region of bioluminescent imaging photon signal and MRI hypointensity. Over time, the transplanted cells formed tumors as histopathologically validated. Disagreement between BLT and MRI tumor location was greatest along the DV axis (1.4 ± 0.2 mm) than along the ML (0.5 ± 0.3 mm) and the AP axes (0.6 mm) because of the uncertainty of the depth of origin of the BLT signal. Combining the high spatial anatomical information of MRI with the cell viability/proliferation data from BLT should facilitate preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic candidate stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Chehade
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amit K Srivastava
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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15
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High magnetic field induced otolith fusion in the zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24151. [PMID: 27063288 PMCID: PMC4827070 DOI: 10.1038/srep24151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetoreception in animals illustrates the interaction of biological systems with the geomagnetic field (geoMF). However, there are few studies that identified the impact of high magnetic field (MF) exposure from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners (>100,000 times of geoMF) on specific biological targets. Here, we investigated the effects of a 14 Tesla MRI scanner on zebrafish larvae. All zebrafish larvae aligned parallel to the B0 field, i.e. the static MF, in the MRI scanner. The two otoliths (ear stones) in the otic vesicles of zebrafish larvae older than 24 hours post fertilization (hpf) fused together after the high MF exposure as short as 2 hours, yielding a single-otolith phenotype with aberrant swimming behavior. The otolith fusion was blocked in zebrafish larvae under anesthesia or embedded in agarose. Hair cells may play an important role on the MF-induced otolith fusion. This work provided direct evidence to show that high MF interacts with the otic vesicle of zebrafish larvae and causes otolith fusion in an "all-or-none" manner. The MF-induced otolith fusion may facilitate the searching for MF sensors using genetically amenable vertebrate animal models, such as zebrafish.
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16
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Patrick PS, Rodrigues TB, Kettunen MI, Lyons SK, Neves AA, Brindle KM. Development of Timd2 as a reporter gene for MRI. Magn Reson Med 2016; 75:1697-707. [PMID: 25981669 PMCID: PMC4832381 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the potential of an MRI gene reporter based on the ferritin receptor Timd2 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing protein 2), using T1- and T2-weighted imaging. METHODS Pellets of cells that had been modified to express the Timd2 transgene, and incubated with either iron-loaded or manganese-loaded ferritin, were imaged using T1- and T2-weighted MRI. Mice were also implanted subcutaneously with Timd2-expressing cells and the resulting xenograft tissue imaged following intravenous injection of ferritin using T2-weighted imaging. RESULTS Timd2-expressing cells, but not control cells, showed a large increase in both R2 and R1 in vitro following incubation with iron-loaded and manganese-loaded ferritin, respectively. Expression of Timd2 had no effect on cell viability or proliferation; however, manganese-loaded ferritin, but not iron-loaded ferritin, was toxic to Timd2-expressing cells. Timd2-expressing xenografts in vivo showed much smaller changes in R2 following injection of iron-loaded ferritin than the same cells incubated in vitro with iron-loaded ferritin. CONCLUSION Timd2 has demonstrated potential as an MRI reporter gene, producing large increases in R2 and R1 with ferritin and manganese-loaded ferritin respectively in vitro, although more modest changes in R2 in vivo. Manganese-loaded apoferritin was not used in vivo due to the toxicity observed in vitro. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Stephen Patrick
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Tiago B. Rodrigues
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Mikko I. Kettunen
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Scott K. Lyons
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - André A. Neves
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kevin M. Brindle
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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