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Lee S, Nouraein S, Kwon JJ, Huang Z, Wojick JA, Xia B, Corder G, Szablowski JO. Engineered serum markers for non-invasive monitoring of gene expression in the brain. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02087-x. [PMID: 38200117 PMCID: PMC11233427 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of gene expression in the brain requires invasive analysis of brain tissue or non-invasive methods that are limited by low sensitivity. Here we introduce a method for non-invasive, multiplexed, site-specific monitoring of endogenous gene or transgene expression in the brain through engineered reporters called released markers of activity (RMAs). RMAs consist of an easily detectable reporter and a receptor-binding domain that enables transcytosis across the brain endothelium. RMAs are expressed in the brain but exit into the blood, where they can be easily measured. We show that expressing RMAs at a single mouse brain site representing approximately 1% of the brain volume provides up to a 100,000-fold signal increase over the baseline. Expression of RMAs in tens to hundreds of neurons is sufficient for their reliable detection. We demonstrate that chemogenetic activation of cells expressing Fos-responsive RMA increases serum RMA levels >6-fold compared to non-activated controls. RMAs provide a non-invasive method for repeatable, multiplexed monitoring of gene expression in the intact animal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsin Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shirin Nouraein
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James J Kwon
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhimin Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Wojick
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Boao Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gregory Corder
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jerzy O Szablowski
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Skidmore S, Barker RA. Challenges in the clinical advancement of cell therapies for Parkinson's disease. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:370-386. [PMID: 36635420 PMCID: PMC7615223 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00987-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapies as potential treatments for Parkinson's disease first gained traction in the 1980s, owing to the clinical success of trials that used transplants of foetal midbrain dopaminergic tissue. However, the poor standardization of the tissue for grafting, and constraints on its availability and ethical use, have hindered this treatment strategy. Recent advances in stem-cell technologies and in the understanding of the development of dopaminergic neurons have enabled preclinical advancements of promising stem-cell therapies. To move these therapies to the clinic, appropriate levels of safety screening, as well as optimization of the cell products and the scalability of their manufacturing, will be required. In this Review, we discuss how challenges pertaining to cell sources, functional and safety testing, manufacturing and storage, and clinical-trial design are being addressed to advance the translational and clinical development of cell therapies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Skidmore
- Wellcome and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- Wellcome and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, For vie Site, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Garrigós MM, Oliveira FA, Nucci MP, Mamani JB, Dias OFM, Rego GNA, Junqueira MS, Costa CJS, Silva LRR, Alves AH, Valle NME, Marti L, Gamarra LF. Bioluminescence Imaging and ICP-MS Associated with SPION as a Tool for Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Homing and Engraftment Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030828. [PMID: 36986690 PMCID: PMC10057125 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow transplantation is a treatment for a variety of hematological and non-hematological diseases. For the transplant success, it is mandatory to have a thriving engraftment of transplanted cells, which directly depends on their homing. The present study proposes an alternative method to evaluate the homing and engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells using bioluminescence imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) associated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. We have identified an enriched population of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow following the administration of Fluorouracil (5-FU). Lately, the cell labeling with nanoparticles displayed the greatest internalization status when treated with 30 µg Fe/mL. The quantification by ICP-MS evaluate the stem cells homing by identifying 3.95 ± 0.37 µg Fe/mL in the control and 6.61 ± 0.84 µg Fe/mL in the bone marrow of transplanted animals. In addition, 2.14 ± 0.66 mg Fe/g in the spleen of the control group and 2.17 ± 0.59 mg Fe/g in the spleen of the experimental group was also measured. Moreover, the bioluminescence imaging provided the follow up on the hematopoietic stem cells behavior by monitoring their distribution by the bioluminescence signal. Lastly, the blood count enabled the monitoring of animal hematopoietic reconstitution and ensured the transplantation effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana P. Nucci
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil
- LIM44—Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Javier B. Mamani
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mara S. Junqueira
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Cancer Institute of the State of Sao Paulo—ICESP, São Paulo 01246-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arielly H. Alves
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Marti
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Lionel F. Gamarra
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2151-0243
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4
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Kim IK, Park JH, Kim B, Hwang KC, Song BW. Recent advances in stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease: Three dimensional tracing and its emerging use. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1215-1230. [PMID: 34630859 PMCID: PMC8474717 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i9.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease is a brain disorder caused by the loss of structure and function of neurons that lowers the quality of human life. Apart from the limited potential for endogenous regeneration, stem cell-based therapies hold considerable promise for maintaining homeostatic tissue regeneration and enhancing plasticity. Despite many studies, there remains insufficient evidence for stem cell tracing and its correlation with endogenous neural cells in brain tissue with three-dimensional structures. Recent advancements in tissue optical clearing techniques have been developed to overcome the existing shortcomings of cross-sectional tissue analysis in thick and complex tissues. This review focuses on recent progress of stem cell treatments to improve neurodegenerative disease, and introduces tissue optical clearing techniques that can implement a three-dimensional image as a proof of concept. This review provides a more comprehensive understanding of stem cell tracing that will play an important role in evaluating therapeutic efficacy and cellular interrelationship for regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Kwon Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Park
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
| | - Ki-Chul Hwang
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Wook Song
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City 22711, South Korea
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangwon-do 25601, South Korea.
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5
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Mousavinejad M, Skidmore S, Barone FG, Tyers P, Pisupati V, Poptani H, Plagge A, Barker RA, Murray P, Taylor A, Hill CJ. Assessing Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Dopaminergic Neuron Progenitor Transplants Using Non-invasive Imaging Techniques. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 22:1244-1254. [PMID: 32378000 PMCID: PMC7497430 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-020-01499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells (DAPCs) are a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, their intracranial administration raises safety concerns including uncontrolled proliferation, migration and inflammation. Here, we apply a bimodal imaging approach to investigate the fate of DAPC transplants in the rat striatum. PROCEDURES DAPCs co-expressing luciferase and ZsGreen or labelled with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIOs) were transplanted in the striatum of RNU rats (n = 6 per group). DAPCs were tracked in vivo using bioluminescence and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging modalities. RESULTS Transgene silencing in differentiating DAPCs accompanied with signal attenuation due to animal growth rendered the bioluminescence undetectable by week 2 post intrastriatal transplantation. However, MR imaging of MPIO-labelled DAPCs showed that transplanted cells remained at the site of injection for over 120 days. Post-mortem histological analysis of DAPC transplants demonstrated that labelling with either luciferase/ZsGreen or MPIOs did not affect the ability of cells to differentiate into mature dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, labelled cells did not elicit increased glial reactivity compared to non-labelled cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our findings support the transplantation of hPSC-derived DAPCs as a safe treatment for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mousavinejad
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - S Skidmore
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK.,WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - F G Barone
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - P Tyers
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair & Department of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - V Pisupati
- WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H Poptani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - A Plagge
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - R A Barker
- WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair & Department of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - P Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - A Taylor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK.
| | - C J Hill
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK. .,Centre for Women's Health Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK.
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6
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Szulc DA, Lee XA, Cheng HYM, Cheng HLM. Bright Ferritin-a Reporter Gene Platform for On-Demand, Longitudinal Cell Tracking on MRI. iScience 2020; 23:101350. [PMID: 32707432 PMCID: PMC7381694 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A major unresolved challenge in cell-based regenerative medicine is the absence of non-invasive technologies for tracking cell fate in deep tissue and with high spatial resolution over an extended interval. MRI is highly suited for this task, but current methods fail to provide longitudinal monitoring or high sensitivity, or both. In this study, we fill this technological gap with the first discovery and demonstration of in vivo cellular production of endogenous bright contrast via an MRI genetic reporter system that forms manganese-ferritin nanoparticles. We demonstrate this technology in human embryonic kidney cells genetically modified to stably overexpress ferritin and show that, in the presence of manganese, these cells produce far greater contrast than conventional ferritin overexpression with iron or manganese-permeable cells. In living mice, diffusely implanted bright-ferritin cells produce the highest and most sustained contrast in skeletal muscle. The bright-ferritin platform has potential for on-demand, longitudinal, and sensitive cell tracking in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Szulc
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, RS407, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Translational Biology & Engineering Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Xavier A Lee
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Translational Biology & Engineering Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hai-Ying Mary Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, RS407, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Translational Biology & Engineering Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada.
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7
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Dou L, Matz EL, Gu X, Shu F, Paxton J, Song J, Yoo J, Atala A, Jackson J, Zhang Y. Non-Invasive Cell Tracking with Brighter and Red-Transferred Luciferase for Potential Application in Stem Cell Therapy. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:1542-1551. [PMID: 31684762 PMCID: PMC6923553 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719885078] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the safety of a novel cell-labeling technology with mKATE and
Renilla reniformis luciferase (mKATE-renLUC) and assessed the efficacy
on tracking implanted human placental stromal cells (PSC) in an erectile dysfunction (ED)
animal model. Human PSC were labeled with mKATE-renLUC using a lentivirus. Cell viability,
apoptosis, proliferation, migration, surface marker expression and differentiation
potential of the labeled PSC were evaluated and compared with non-labeled PSC. The
paracrine profile of labeled cells was examined using an angiogenesis protein array. The
brightness and duration of labeled cells with different densities were evaluated. An ED
rat model was established and labeled PSC were injected into cavernosal tissue of the
penis. The migration and distribution of transplanted PSC were monitored using an IVIS
imaging system in real time. Implanted PSC were identified in isolated tissues via
detection of mKATE fluorescence. The cell viability, morphology, proliferation, migration,
surface marker expression and differentiation potential of mKATE-renLUC-labeled PSC were
similar to those of non-labeled cells in vitro (no statistical difference
p>0.05). Similar expressions of trophic factors were found between
labeled and non-labeled PSC. The migration and distribution of PSC expressing renLUC were
tracked in vivo using IVIS imaging system. mKATE-positive PSC were detected in penile,
kidney, prostate and hepatic tissues using histological methods. This labeling technology
provides a safe and effective cell-tracking approach with a brighter fluorophore and
codon-optimized luciferase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dou
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ethan L Matz
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Xin Gu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Fangpeng Shu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Paxton
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jinlin Song
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - James Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - John Jackson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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8
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Vogel S, Aswendt M, Nelles M, Henn N, Schneider G, Hoehn M. Initial graft size and not the innate immune response limit survival of engrafted neural stem cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:784-793. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Vogel
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
| | - Markus Aswendt
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
| | - Melanie Nelles
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
| | - Nadine Henn
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
| | - Gabriele Schneider
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
| | - Mathias Hoehn
- In‐vivo‐NMR LaboratoryMax Planck Institute for Metabolism Research Cologne Germany
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Percuros B.V., Enschede The Netherlands
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9
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Gowing G, Svendsen S, Svendsen CN. Ex vivo gene therapy for the treatment of neurological disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 230:99-132. [PMID: 28552237 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo gene therapy involves the genetic modification of cells outside of the body to produce therapeutic factors and their subsequent transplantation back into patients. Various cell types can be genetically engineered. However, with the explosion in stem cell technologies, neural stem/progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells are most often used. The synergy between the effect of the new cell and the additional engineered properties can often provide significant benefits to neurodegenerative changes in the brain. In this review, we cover both preclinical animal studies and clinical human trials that have used ex vivo gene therapy to treat neurological disorders with a focus on Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and stroke. We highlight some of the major advances in this field including new autologous sources of pluripotent stem cells, safer ways to introduce therapeutic transgenes, and various methods of gene regulation. We also address some of the remaining hurdles including tunable gene regulation, in vivo cell tracking, and rigorous experimental design. Overall, given the current outcomes from researchers and clinical trials, along with exciting new developments in ex vivo gene and cell therapy, we anticipate that successful treatments for neurological diseases will arise in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Gowing
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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10
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Cho IK, Wang S, Mao H, Chan AWS. Genetic engineered molecular imaging probes for applications in cell therapy: emphasis on MRI approach. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2016; 6:234-261. [PMID: 27766183 PMCID: PMC5069277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell-based regenerative medicine, cell replacement therapy, and genome editing technologies (i.e. CRISPR-Cas 9) have sparked great interest in in vivo cell monitoring. Molecular imaging promises a unique approach to noninvasively monitor cellular and molecular phenomena, including cell survival, migration, proliferation, and even differentiation at the whole organismal level. Several imaging modalities and strategies have been explored for monitoring cell grafts in vivo. We begin this review with an introduction describing the progress in stem cell technology, with a perspective toward cell replacement therapy. The importance of molecular imaging in reporting and assessing the status of cell grafts and their relation to the local microenvironment is highlighted since the current knowledge gap is one of the major obstacles in clinical translation of stem cell therapy. Based on currently available imaging techniques, we provide a brief discussion on the pros and cons of each imaging modality used for monitoring cell grafts with particular emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the reporter gene approach. Finally, we conclude with a comprehensive discussion of future directions of applying molecular imaging in regenerative medicine to emphasize further the importance of correlating cell graft conditions and clinical outcomes to advance regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- In K Cho
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research CenterAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Silun Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anthony WS Chan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research CenterAtlanta, GA, USA
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11
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Yoon HI, Yhee JY, Na JH, Lee S, Lee H, Kang SW, Chang H, Ryu JH, Lee S, Kwon IC, Cho YW, Kim K. Bioorthogonal Copper Free Click Chemistry for Labeling and Tracking of Chondrocytes In Vivo. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 27:927-36. [PMID: 26930274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Establishment of an appropriate cell labeling and tracking method is essential for the development of cell-based therapeutic strategies. Here, we are introducing a new method for cell labeling and tracking by combining metabolic gylcoengineering and bioorthogonal copper-free Click chemistry. First, chondrocytes were treated with tetraacetylated N-azidoacetyl-D-mannosamine (Ac4ManNAz) to generate unnatural azide groups (-N3) on the surface of the cells. Subsequently, the unnatural azide groups on the cell surface were specifically conjugated with near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye-tagged dibenzyl cyclooctyne (DBCO-650) through bioorthogonal copper-free Click chemistry. Importantly, DBCO-650-labeled chondrocytes presented strong NIRF signals with relatively low cytotoxicity and the amounts of azide groups and DBCO-650 could be easily controlled by feeding different amounts of Ac4ManNAz and DBCO-650 to the cell culture system. For the in vivo cell tracking, DBCO-650-labeled chondrocytes (1 × 10(6) cells) seeded on the 3D scaffold were subcutaneously implanted into mice and the transplanted DBCO-650-labeled chondrocytes could be effectively tracked in the prolonged time period of 4 weeks using NIRF imaging technology. Furthermore, this new cell labeling and tracking technology had minimal effect on cartilage formation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa In Yoon
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Hwarangno 14-gil 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea.,Departments of Chemical Engineering and Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University , Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 426-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Yhee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University , Seoul 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Na
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland United States
| | - Sangmin Lee
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland United States
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University , Seoul 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woong Kang
- Next-generation Pharmaceutical Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology , Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea.,Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology (UST) , Daejeon 305-350, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyoun Chang
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Hwarangno 14-gil 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST) , Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hee Ryu
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Hwarangno 14-gil 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulki Lee
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland United States
| | - Ick Chan Kwon
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Hwarangno 14-gil 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Woo Cho
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University , Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 426-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Hwarangno 14-gil 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST) , Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
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Bernau K, Lewis CM, Petelinsek AM, Reagan MS, Niles DJ, Mattis VB, Meyerand ME, Suzuki M, Svendsen CN. In Vivo Tracking of Human Neural Progenitor Cells in the Rat Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Not Enhanced by Ferritin Expression. Cell Transplant 2015; 25:575-92. [PMID: 26160767 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x688614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid growth in the field of stem cell research has generated a lot of interest in their therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), unique in their capability to differentiate into cells of the neural lineage, have been widely investigated due to their ability to survive, thrive, and migrate toward injured tissues. Still, one of the major roadblocks for clinical applicability arises from the inability to monitor these cells following transplantation. Molecular imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been explored to assess hNPC transplant location, migration, and survival. Here we investigated whether inducing hNPCs to overexpress ferritin (hNPCs(Fer)), an iron storage protein, is sufficient to track these cells long term in the rat striatum using MRI. We found that increased hypointensity on MRI images could establish hNPC(Fer) location. Unexpectedly, however, wild-type hNPC transplants were detected in a similar manner, which is likely due to increased iron accumulation following transplantation-induced damage. Hence, we labeled hNPCs with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles to further increase iron content in an attempt to enhance cell contrast in MRI. SPIO-labeling of hNPCs (hNPCs-SPIO) achieved increased hypointensity, with significantly greater area of decreased T2* compared to hNPC(Fer) (p < 0.0001) and all other controls used. However, none of the techniques could be used to determine graft rejection in vivo, which is imperative for understanding cell behavior following transplantation. We conclude that in order for cell survival to be monitored in preclinical and clinical settings, another molecular imaging technique must be employed, including perhaps multimodal imaging, which would utilize MRI along with another imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI, USA
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Gavins FNE, Smith HK. Cell tracking technologies for acute ischemic brain injury. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:1090-9. [PMID: 25966948 PMCID: PMC4640284 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has showed considerable potential in the treatment of stroke over the last decade. In order that these therapies may be optimized, the relative benefits of growth factor release, immunomodulation, and direct tissue replacement by therapeutic stem cells are widely under investigation. Fundamental to the progress of this research are effective imaging techniques that enable cell tracking in vivo. Direct analysis of the benefit of cell therapy includes the study of cell migration, localization, division and/or differentiation, and survival. This review explores the various imaging tools currently used in clinics and laboratories, addressing image resolution, long-term cell monitoring, imaging agents/isotopes, as well as safety and costs associated with each technique. Finally, burgeoning tracking techniques are discussed, with emphasis on multimodal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity NE Gavins
- Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Helen K Smith
- Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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Lewis CM, Graves SA, Hernandez R, Valdovinos HF, Barnhart TE, Cai W, Meyerand ME, Nickles RJ, Suzuki M. ⁵²Mn production for PET/MRI tracking of human stem cells expressing divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:227-39. [PMID: 25553111 PMCID: PMC4279187 DOI: 10.7150/thno.10185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing demand for long-term in vivo stem cell imaging for assessing cell therapy techniques and guiding therapeutic decisions. This work develops the production of 52Mn and establishes proof of concept for the use of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) as a positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter gene for stem cell tracking in the rat brain. 52Mn was produced via proton irradiation of a natural chromium target. In a comparison of two 52Mn separation methods, solvent-solvent extraction was preferred over ion exchange chromatography because of reduced chromium impurities and higher 52Mn recovery. In vitro uptake of Mn-based PET and MRI contrast agents (52Mn2+ and Mn2+, respectively) was enhanced in DMT1 over-expressing human neural progenitor cells (hNPC-DMT1) compared to wild-type control cells (hNPC-WT). After cell transplantation in the rat striatum, increased uptake of Mn-based contrast agents in grafted hNPC-DMT1 was detected in in vivo manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) and ex vivo PET and autoradiography. These initial studies indicate that this approach holds promise for dual-modality PET/MR tracking of transplanted stem cells in the central nervous system and prompt further investigation into the clinical applicability of this technique.
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Duffy BA, Weitz AJ, Lee JH. In vivo imaging of transplanted stem cells in the central nervous system. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 28:83-8. [PMID: 25461455 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In vivo imaging is increasingly being utilized in studies investigating stem cell-based treatments for neurological disorders. Direct labeling is used in preclinical and clinical studies to track the fate of transplanted cells. To further determine cell viability, experimental studies are able to take advantage of reporter gene technologies. Structural and functional brain imaging can also be used alongside cell imaging as biomarkers of treatment efficacy. Furthermore, it is possible that new imaging techniques could be used to monitor functional integration of stem cell-derived cells with the host nervous system. In this review, we examine recent developments in these areas and identify promising directions for future research at the interface of stem cell therapies and neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben A Duffy
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew J Weitz
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jin Hyung Lee
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
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