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Liu T, Li Z, Li X, Zhao R, Wei X, Wang Z, Xin SX. In vivo visualization of murine melanoma cells B16-derived exosomes through magnetic resonance imaging. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130062. [PMID: 34822924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies demonstrated that exosomes play a powerful role in mediating intercellular communication to induce a pro-tumoral environment to promote tumor progression, including pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis. Noninvasive imaging could determine the in vivo kinetics of exosomes in real time to provide better understanding of the mechanisms of the tumor formation, progression and metastasis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an ideal technique which provides excellent anatomical resolution, intrinsic soft tissue contrast, unlimited penetration depth and no radiation exposure. METHODS A fusion protein composed of ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) and lactadherin was designed for visualizing exosomes through MRI. FTH1 was served as MRI reporter protein and lactadherin is a membrane-associated protein that is distributed on exosome surface. The characterizations of labeled exosomes were validated through transmission electron microscopy, western blot, nanoparticle tracking analysis and finally visualized in vitro and in vivo through MRI. RESULTS MR imaging showed that the labeled exosomes are able to be visualized in vitro and in vivo. Verification of the characterizations of exosomes observed no significant difference between labeled and unlabeled exosomes. CONCLUSION The proposed FTH1 labeling method was useful for visualizing exosomes through MRI. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The present study first reported a novel self-label method for imaging labeled exosomes of tumor cells in vivo through MR with cell endogenous MRI reporter protein. It may be further used as a tool to enhance understanding the role of exosomes in various pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiting Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhua Wei
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Zixin Wang
- School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xingang Xi Road 135, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Sherman Xuegang Xin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Tsintou M, Dalamagkas K, Moore TL, Rathi Y, Kubicki M, Rosene DL, Makris N. The use of hydrogel-delivered extracellular vesicles in recovery of motor function in stroke: a testable experimental hypothesis for clinical translation including behavioral and neuroimaging assessment approaches. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:605-613. [PMID: 33063708 PMCID: PMC8067932 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering, nanotechnology and neuroregeneration are diverse biomedical disciplines that have been working together in recent decades to solve the complex problems linked to central nervous system (CNS) repair. It is known that the CNS demonstrates a very limited regenerative capacity because of a microenvironment that impedes effective regenerative processes, making development of CNS therapeutics challenging. Given the high prevalence of CNS conditions such as stroke that damage the brain and place a severe burden on afflicted individuals and on society, it is of utmost significance to explore the optimum methodologies for finding treatments that could be applied to humans for restoration of function to pre-injury levels. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), also known as exosomes, when derived from mesenchymal stem cells, are one of the most promising approaches that have been attempted thus far, as EVs deliver factors that stimulate recovery by acting at the nanoscale level on intercellular communication while avoiding the risks linked to stem cell transplantation. At the same time, advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have offered the potential of using hydrogels as bio-scaffolds in order to provide the stroma required for neural repair to occur, as well as the release of biomolecules facilitating or inducing the reparative processes. This review introduces a novel experimental hypothesis regarding the benefits that could be offered if EVs were to be combined with biocompatible injectable hydrogels. The rationale behind this hypothesis is presented, analyzing how a hydrogel might prolong the retention of EVs and maximize the localized benefit to the brain. This sustained delivery of EVs would be coupled with essential guidance cues and structural support from the hydrogel until neural tissue remodeling and regeneration occur. Finally, the importance of including non-human primate models in the clinical translation pipeline, as well as the added benefit of multi-modal neuroimaging analysis to establish non-invasive, in vivo, quantifiable imaging-based biomarkers for CNS repair are discussed, aiming for more effective and safe clinical translation of such regenerative therapies to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Tsintou
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; University College of London Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Center for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kyriakos Dalamagkas
- University College of London Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Center for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Memorial Hermann Research Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara L Moore
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yogesh Rathi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikos Makris
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology Services, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Reichardt W, von Elverfeldt D. Preclinical Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Oncology. Recent Results Cancer Res 2020; 216:405-437. [PMID: 32594394 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-42618-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The evolving possibilities of molecular imaging (MI) are fundamentally changing the way we look at cancer, with imaging paradigms now shifting away from basic morphological measures toward the longitudinal assessment of functional, metabolic, cellular, and molecular information in vivo. Recent developments of imaging methodology and probe molecules utilizing the vast number of novel animal models of human cancers have enhanced our ability to non-invasively characterize neoplastic tissue and follow anticancer treatments. While preclinical molecular imaging offers a whole palette of excellent methodology to choose from, we will focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, since they provide excellent molecular imaging capabilities and bear high potential for clinical translation. Prerequisites and consequences of using animal models as surrogates of human cancers in preclinical molecular imaging are outlined. We present physical principles, values, and limitations of MRI as molecular imaging modality and comment on its high potential to non-invasively assess information on metabolism, hypoxia, angiogenesis, and cell trafficking in preclinical cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Reichardt
- Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dominik von Elverfeldt
- Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Liu T, Zhu Y, Zhao R, Wei X, Xin X. Visualization of exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 68:75-82. [PMID: 32027941 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We develop a method of imaging exosomes in vivo according to the vital role of exosomes in intercellular communication. This study aims to design a new label method that allows the visualization of labeled exosomes with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS We designed a fusion protein consisting of two parts, namely, ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) and a truncated lactadherin. FTH1 is used as an MRI reporter. Lactadherin is a trans-membrane protein. The lactadherin protein are mostly located on the outer surface of exosomes. We replaced the outer membrane part of lactadherin with FTH1, infected mesenchymal stem cells with lentivirus carrying the fusion protein, and isolated exosomes from the labeled cells by ultracentrifugation. Labeled exosomes were validated by transmission electron microscopy images, Western blot, nanosight particle tracking, and visualized in vitro and in vivo by MRI. RESULTS FTH1 expression would suppress mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, whereas the characterization of labeled exosomes remains comparable with unlabeled exosomes. MR imaging shows that exosomes labeled with FTH1 can be visualized in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION This innovative reporter-imaging approach to track and visualize exosomes with MRI can be utilized as a tool for the study of the role of exosomes under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yurong Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiting Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhua Wei
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuegang Xin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.
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Ray S, Li Z, Hsu CH, Hwang LP, Lin YC, Chou PT, Lin YY. Dendrimer- and copolymer-based nanoparticles for magnetic resonance cancer theranostics. Theranostics 2018; 8:6322-6349. [PMID: 30613300 PMCID: PMC6299700 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer theranostics is one of the most important approaches for detecting and treating patients at an early stage. To develop such a technique, accurate detection, specific targeting, and controlled delivery are the key components. Various kinds of nanoparticles have been proposed and demonstrated as potential nanovehicles for cancer theranostics. Among them, polymer-like dendrimers and copolymer-based core-shell nanoparticles could potentially be the best possible choices. At present, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for clinical purposes and is generally considered the most convenient and noninvasive imaging modality. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and gadolinium (Gd)-based dendrimers are the major nanostructures that are currently being investigated as nanovehicles for cancer theranostics using MRI. These structures are capable of specific targeting of tumors as well as controlled drug or gene delivery to tumor sites using pH, temperature, or alternating magnetic field (AMF)-controlled mechanisms. Recently, Gd-based pseudo-porous polymer-dendrimer supramolecular nanoparticles have shown 4-fold higher T1 relaxivity along with highly efficient AMF-guided drug release properties. Core-shell copolymer-based nanovehicles are an equally attractive alternative for designing contrast agents and for delivering anti-cancer drugs. Various copolymer materials could be used as core and shell components to provide biostability, modifiable surface properties, and even adjustable imaging contrast enhancement. Recent advances and challenges in MRI cancer theranostics using dendrimer- and copolymer-based nanovehicles have been summarized in this review article, along with new unpublished research results from our laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayoni Ray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chao-Hsiung Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Pin Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Tai Chou
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ya Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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He X, Cai J, Li H, Liu B, Qin Y, Zhong Y, Wang L, Liao Y. In Vivo magnetic resonance imaging of xenografted tumors using FTH1 reporter gene expression controlled by a tet-on switch. Oncotarget 2018; 7:78591-78604. [PMID: 27732930 PMCID: PMC5346662 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter, ferritin has been used to track cells in vivo; however, its continuous overexpression can be cytotoxic, which restricts its application. In this study, we aimed to develop a switch to turn this genetic reporter “on” or “off” while monitoring cell grafts via MRI. To accomplish this, we genetically modified the ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) with a Tet-On switch and assessed the expression of FTH1 in transduced neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) in vitro and in xenografted tumors in vivo. We found that FTH1 expression induced by doxycycline (Dox) in SK-N-SH-FTH1 cells depended on treatment dose and duration. We successfully detected T2-weighted MRI contrast in cell grafts after switching “on” the reporter gene using Dox, and this contrast disappeared when we switched it “off”. The genetic reporter FTH1 can thus be switched “on” or “off” throughout longitudinal monitoring of cell grafts, limiting expression to when MRI contrast is needed. The controllable imaging system we have developed minimizes risks from constitutive reporter gene overexpression and facilitates tumor cell monitoring in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya He
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinhua Cai
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Qin
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Longlun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifan Liao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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Genetically encoded iron-associated proteins as MRI reporters for molecular and cellular imaging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 10. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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8
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He X, Cai J, Liu B, Zhong Y, Qin Y. Cellular magnetic resonance imaging contrast generated by the ferritin heavy chain genetic reporter under the control of a Tet-On switch. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:207. [PMID: 26517988 PMCID: PMC4628232 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the strong appeal of ferritin as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter for stem cell research, no attempts have been made to apply this genetic imaging reporter in stem cells in an inducible manner, which is important for minimizing the potential risk related to the constitutive expression of an imaging reporter. The aim of the present study was to develop an inducible genetic MRI reporter system that enables the production of intracellular MRI contrast as needed. METHODS Ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) was genetically modified by adding a Tet-On switch. A C3H10T1/2 cell line carrying Tet-FTH1 (C3H10T1/2-FTH1) was established via lentiviral transduction. The dose- and time-dependent expression of FTH1 in C3H10T1/2 cells was assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The induced "ON" and non-induced "OFF" expressions of FTH1 were detected using a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Iron accumulation in cells was analyzed by Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS The expression of FTH1 was both dose- and time-dependently induced, and FTH1 expression peaked in response to induction with doxycycline (Dox) at 0.2 μg/ml for 72 h. The induced expression of FTH1 resulted in a significant increase in the transverse relaxation rate of C3H10T1/2-FTH1 cells following iron supplementation. Prussian blue staining and TEM revealed extensive iron accumulation in C3H10T1/2-FTH1 cells in the presence of Dox. CONCLUSIONS Cellular MRI contrast can be produced as needed via the expression of FTH1 under the control of a Tet-On switch. This finding could lay the groundwork for the use of FTH1 to track stem cells in vivo in an inducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya He
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center For Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Jinhua Cai
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center For Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center For Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center For Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Yong Qin
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center For Child Development and Disorders, 136 Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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Overexpression of the MRI Reporter Genes Ferritin and Transferrin Receptor Affect Iron Homeostasis and Produce Limited Contrast in Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:15481-96. [PMID: 26184159 PMCID: PMC4519909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160715481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging technologies that allow the non-invasive monitoring of stem cells in vivo play a vital role in cell-based regenerative therapies. Recently, much interest has been generated in reporter genes that enable simultaneous monitoring of the anatomical location and viability of cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we investigate the efficacy of ferritin heavy chain-1 (Fth1) and transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) as reporters for tracking mesenchymal stem cells. The overexpression of TfR1 was well tolerated by the cells but Fth1 was found to affect the cell’s iron homeostasis, leading to phenotypic changes in the absence of iron supplementation and an upregulation in transcript and protein levels of the cell’s endogenous transferrin receptor. Neither the sole overexpression of Fth1 nor TfR1 resulted in significant increases in intracellular iron content, although significant differences were seen when the two reporter genes were used in combination, in the presence of high concentrations of iron. The supplementation of the culture medium with iron sources was a more efficient means to obtain contrast than the use of reporter genes, where high levels of intracellular iron were reflected in transverse (T2) relaxation. The feasibility of imaging iron-supplemented cells by MRI is shown using a 3R-compliant chick embryo model.
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10
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Ligand-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles in neural stem cells: implications for cellular magnetic resonance imaging. Biotechnol Lett 2013; 35:1997-2004. [PMID: 23907672 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-013-1304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have great prospects in therapy for neurological disorders. However, the correlation between improved function and stem cell transplantation has not been fully elucidated. A non-invasive method for stem cell tracking is crucial for clinical studies. In the present study, NSCs were infected with lentiviral vectors, and the expression of transferrin receptor (TfR) in neural stem cells after lentivirus transfection (TfR-NSC) was confirmed by western blot analysis. TfR-NSCs were incubated with 1.8 nM ultra-small super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIOs) or transferrin (Tf)-conjugate of USPIO nanoparticles (Tf-USPIOs). Tf-USPIO enhanced the cellular iron content in TfR-NSCs 80 ± 18 % compared to USPIOs. These results demonstrated that TfR overexpressed in neural stem cells specifically internalized Tf-USPIOs. Furthermore, the results indicate that TfR reporter imaging may be a valuable way to evaluate the efficacy of neural stem cell treatment.
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Construction and identification of the adenoviral vector with dual reporter gene for multimodality molecular imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 33:600-605. [PMID: 23904384 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-013-1165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vector containing dual reporter gene [i.e. human transferrin receptor gene (TFRC) and firefly luciferase reporter gene] was constructed to provide a novel experimental tool for magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence dual-modality molecular imaging. The cDNA of TFRC was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into the multiple cloning site of pShuttle-CMV-CMV-Luciferase vector. After identification by Sfi I digestion and sequencing, pShuttle-TFRC-Luciferase vector and the adenoviral backbone vector (pAdeno) were subjected to homologous recombination. The correct recombinant plasmid was then transfected into 293 packaging cells to produce adenoviral particles and confirmed by PCR. After infection of human colorectal cancer LOVO cells with Ad-TFRC-Luciferase, the expressions of transferrin receptor (TfR) and luciferase protein were detected respectively by Western blotting and bioluminescence imaging in vitro. The results showed that TFRC gene was successfully inserted into the adenoviral shuttle vector carrying luciferase gene. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the TFRC gene sequence in the shuttle plasmid was exactly the same as that reported in GenBank. The recombinant plasmid was identified correct by restriction digestion. Ad-TFRC-Luciferase recombinant adenovirus was constructed successfully, and the virus titer was 1.6×10(10) pfu/mL. Forty-eight h after dual reporter gene transfection, the expressions of TfR and luciferase protein were increased significantly (P<0.01). It was concluded that the recombinant adenovirus vector with dual reporter gene was successfully established, which may be used for in vivo tracing target cells in multimodality imaging.
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Vandsburger MH, Radoul M, Cohen B, Neeman M. MRI reporter genes: applications for imaging of cell survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2013; 26:872-84. [PMID: 23225197 PMCID: PMC3713407 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.2869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular imaging strives to detect molecular events at the level of the whole organism. In some cases, the molecule of interest can be detected either directly or with targeted contrast media. However many genes and proteins and particularly those located in intracellular compartments are not accessible for targeted agents. The transcriptional regulation of these genes can nevertheless be detected, although indirectly, using reporter gene encoding for readily detectable proteins. Such reporter proteins can be expressed in the tissue of interest by genetically introducing the reporter gene in the target cells. Imaging of reporter genes has become a powerful tool in modern biomedical research. Typically, expression of fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins and the reaction product of expressed enzymes and exogenous substrates were examined using in vitro histological methods and in vivo whole body imaging methods. Recent advances in MRI reporter gene methods raised the possibility that MRI could become a powerful tool for concomitant high-resolution anatomical and functional imaging and for imaging of reporter gene activity. An immediate application of MRI reporter gene methods was by monitoring gene expression patterns in gene therapy and in vivo imaging of the survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation of pluripotent and multipotent cells used in cell-based regenerative therapies for cancer, myocardial infarction and neural degeneration. In this review, we characterized a variety of MRI reporter gene methods based on their applicability to report cell survival/proliferation, migration and differentiation. In particular, we discussed which methods were best suited for translation to clinical use in regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Radoul
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science
| | - Batya Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science
| | - Michal Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science
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Abstract
Molecular imaging fundamentally changes the way we look at cancer. Imaging paradigms are now shifting away from classical morphological measures towards the assessment of functional, metabolic, cellular, and molecular information in vivo. Interdisciplinary driven developments of imaging methodology and probe molecules utilizing animal models of human cancers have enhanced our ability to non-invasively characterize neoplastic tissue and follow anti-cancer treatments. Preclinical molecular imaging offers a whole palette of excellent methodology to choose from. We will focus on positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, since they provide excellent and complementary molecular imaging capabilities and bear high potential for clinical translation. Prerequisites and consequences of using animal models as surrogates of human cancers in preclinical molecular imaging are outlined. We present physical principles, values and limitations of PET and MRI as molecular imaging modalities and comment on their high potential to non-invasively assess information on hypoxia, angiogenesis, apoptosis, gene expression, metabolism, and cell trafficking in preclinical cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Wolf
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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14
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Shen B, Kezheng W, Xilin S, Lina W. Development of molecular imaging and nanomedicine in China. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 3:533-44. [PMID: 21850712 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The rapid progress of molecular imaging (MI) and the application of nanotechnology in medicine have the potential to advance the foundations of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Although MI and biomedical nanotechnology are still in a formative phase in China, much has been achieved over the last decade. This article provides a commentary on the development and current status of nanomedicine in China, with a selective focus on Chinese nanoparticle synthesis technology, the development of imaging equipment, and the preclinical application of novel MI probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhong Shen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, China. ,
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15
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Liu G, Swierczewska M, Niu G, Zhang X, Chen X. Molecular imaging of cell-based cancer immunotherapy. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:993-1003. [PMID: 21308113 DOI: 10.1039/c0mb00198h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapy represents a new and powerful weapon in the arsenal of anticancer treatments. Non-invasive monitoring of the disposition, migration and destination of therapeutic cells will facilitate the development of cell based therapy. The therapeutic cells can be modified intrinsically by a reporter gene or labeled extrinsically by introducing imaging probes into the cells or on the cell surface before transplant. Various advanced non-invasive molecular imaging techniques are playing important roles in optimizing cellular therapy by tracking cells and monitoring the therapeutic effects of transplanted cells in vivo. This review will summarize the application of multiple molecular imaging modalities in cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637007, China
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16
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Liu G, Swierczewska M, Lee S, Chen X. FUNCTIONAL NANOPARTICLES FOR MOLECULAR IMAGING GUIDED GENE DELIVERY. NANO TODAY 2010; 5:524-539. [PMID: 22473061 PMCID: PMC3004232 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has great potential to bring tremendous changes in treatment of various diseases and disorders. However, one of the impediments to successful gene therapy is the inefficient delivery of genes to target tissues and the inability to monitor delivery of genes and therapeutic responses at the targeted site. The emergence of molecular imaging strategies has been pivotal in optimizing gene therapy; since it can allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of gene delivery noninvasively and spatiotemporally. Due to the unique physiochemical properties of nanomaterials, numerous functional nanoparticles show promise in accomplishing gene delivery with the necessary feature of visualizing the delivery. In this review, recent developments of nanoparticles for molecular imaging guided gene delivery are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637007 China
| | - Magdalena Swierczewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Bioengineering Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Seulki Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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Mahmoudi M, Hosseinkhani H, Hosseinkhani M, Boutry S, Simchi A, Journeay WS, Subramani K, Laurent S. Magnetic resonance imaging tracking of stem cells in vivo using iron oxide nanoparticles as a tool for the advancement of clinical regenerative medicine. Chem Rev 2010; 111:253-80. [PMID: 21077606 DOI: 10.1021/cr1001832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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